Delegation in Correctional Nursing Practice. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tompkins, Frances
• Is Part Of: Journal of correctional health care. Volume 22:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: delegation -- scope of practice -- unlicensed assistive personnel -- nursing -- correctional health care; Prisoners -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Prisoners -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 365.667
• DOI: 10.1177/1078345816654229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-3458

Abstract

Correctional nurses face daily challenges as a result of their work environment. Common challenges include availability of resources for appropriate care delivery, negotiating with custody staff for access to patients, adherence to scope of practice standards, and working with a varied staffing mix. Professional correctional nurses must consider the educational backgrounds and competency of other nurses and assistive personnel in planning for care delivery. Budgetary constraints and varied staff preparation can be a challenge for the professional nurse. Adequate care planning requires understanding the educational level and competency of licensed and unlicensed staff. Delegation is the process of assessing patient needs and transferring responsibility for care to appropriately educated and competent staff. Correctional nurses can benefit from increased knowledge about delegation.