title: Delegation knowledge and practice among rehabilitation nurses.
abstract: Delegation is an essential process that allows nurses to function more effectively and efficiently. The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses' (ARN) Southeast Texas Chapter research committee developed a survey to study registered nurses (RN) practices and knowledge of delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel. State boards of nursing determine delegation practices, so the survey was sent only to Texas ARN members. Benners' Novice to Expert theory was used to study delegation practices based on years of experience, certification, and education. Survey Monkey was used with a questionnaire developed by the research committee. Descriptive statistics analyzed data from the survey's 73 respondents, and chi-square measured significance of differences based on years of experience and certification (yes or no). Data show that delegation knowledge does not necessarily translate to practice, especially when looking at specific tasks performed by certified rehabilitation registered nurses (CRRNs) and non-CRRNs. The data support continued study of this important issue; 93.7% of respondents say delegation requires further discussion.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston School of Nursing, Houston, TX, USA. Mary.J.White@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Mary Joe
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Rhonda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: Celeste
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002568:Certification; D032022:Delegation, Professional / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007884:Legislation, Nursing; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009728:Nursing Assistants; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013781:Texas