How do I deal with delegating?

Does delegating make you feel lazy or even inefficient? Much to the contrary, mastering the art of delegation (yes, it can be considered an art) takes practice and can, in fact, make you a more efficient nurse by reducing the amount of wasted time during the workday.

How do you deal with asking the PCT to change a bed when she is 20 years your senior?

The biggest key is gaining the respect of those you are delegating tasks to. You want them to respect you and carry out tasks asked of them, so you must show a mutual respect.

Offer to help the first time you request the person’s assistance in bathing a patient. And offer a superfluous amount of thanks when she helped that elderly patient to the bedside commode. Tell her how many compliments her bed-making skills received from the group of ladies congregating in the wreck room. There is never too much praise to go around, and somebody who feels appreciated will go out of her way to help you.

It’s important to keep in mind that when delegating tasks that may seem menial to you, everyone has their job description, and if it means restocking the cabinets with supplies, then you shouldn’t feel bad about asking for it. If everyone is doing their part, the patient care will go smoothly and efficiently, which is ultimately the result you want.