In terms of patient care, what does delegation aim to achieve?

Delegation in the context of patient care is focused on enhancing both patient safety and care efficiency. When nurses delegate tasks to appropriately trained and certified non-nursing staff, they are able to optimize the use of their own skills while ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. This allows for more efficient use of time and resources, as nurses can concentrate on more complex aspects of care that require their specific expertise.

Effective delegation also improves patient safety by ensuring that tasks are assigned to individuals who have the proper training. For example, a certified nursing assistant can be delegated to help with basic activities of daily living, allowing the registered nurse to focus on assessments, planning, and interventions that require clinical judgment. By distributing responsibilities according to skill levels, the overall care process becomes more efficient, which in turn enhances the safety and quality of care for patients.

In contrast, aiming to reduce quality, minimize responsibilities, or hasten discharge without considering the overarching goal of care can lead to poor outcomes and jeopardize patient safety. Hence, the emphasis on enhancing patient safety and care efficiency reflects the core objectives of effective delegation in nursing practice.