Nurse delegation is defined as

• A. Authority to perform a task as directed by a nurse
• B. Ability to prescribe meds
• C. Responsibility to coordinate care
• D. Supervision of other staff

Answer: (A)

Delegation means transferring the authority to perform a specific nursing task to another person, while the nurse who delegates remains accountable for the outcome. The task is carried out under the nurse’s directions and within the appropriate scope of practice. This is different from prescribing medications, which is a prescriber’s authority; it’s not about coordinating all aspects of care, which focuses on organizing plans and services; and it’s not just supervision, which is overseeing others rather than granting task authority. Safe delegation hinges on the delegatee having the competence, training, and resources to perform the task exactly as directed, with clear expectations for reporting back.