Question

A staff nurse asks the nurse manager, "What assignment are you delegating to me today? I would like to begin to organize my day before shift report begins." What is the error inherent in this statement?

A. There is no way for the nurse to know how to organize until the assignment is clear.
B. The nurse manager would not make assignments.
C. The nurse manager is not delegating but rather making daily assignments.
D. Assignment occurs after shift report.

Answer 1

The error in the nurse's question is a misunderstanding of the terms “delegating” versus “making daily assignments.” Rotating shifts pose problems for healthcare workers, affecting their sleep and performance, and can be mitigated with proper rest and consistent shift policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The error inherent in the staff nurse’s question about delegation is that the nurse manager is not delegating tasks, but rather making daily assignments. Delegating typically involves giving someone the authority to act for another, which is different from simply assigning day-to-day tasks.

It is correct that the nurse wants to organize the day before shift report begins, but the staff nurse should understand that the manager is setting assignments, not delegating tasks. Rotating shifts can be problematic for healthcare professionals due to the disruption of their circadian rhythms, which can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and even impact patient care.

Strategies to help cope with the potential problems include ensuring adequate rest, effective handovers, and possibly the implementation of shift work policies that promote consistent sleep patterns.