Editing RN Delegation and Supervision (section)

== The Five Rights of Delegation ==

The Five Rights are the standard framework and are the most testable content in this topic (NCSBN and ANA, 2019).

=== 1. Right task ===

The task must be one that is legally delegable, is repetitive in nature, requires little modification from one situation to the next, has a predictable outcome, and does not require nursing judgment at the point of performance. Tasks that require assessment, interpretation, or independent decision making are not the right task.

=== 2. Right circumstance ===

The client must be stable, with predictable outcomes, and the setting, available resources, and staffing must be appropriate. The same task may be delegable for one client and not for another. Taking vital signs is delegable for a stable postoperative client on day two, but the RN takes them personally on a client who is hypotensive and receiving a titrated vasoactive infusion.

=== 3. Right person ===

The right person has the education, demonstrated competency, and legal authority to perform the task, and is delegating to a client for whom the task is appropriate. Competency is specific and verified, not assumed from a job title. If the delegatee says "I have never done that," the delegation stops.

=== 4. Right direction and communication ===

Direction must be clear, concise, correct, and complete. It includes what the task is, on which client, any client-specific modifications, what data to collect, the expected outcome, when and to whom to report, and what findings must be reported ''immediately''. The delegatee should confirm understanding and should be told to ask questions. Vague instructions such as "keep an eye on room 12" are not adequate direction.

=== 5. Right supervision and evaluation ===

The RN provides initial direction, monitors performance periodically, is available to intervene, obtains and evaluates a report of the outcome, gives feedback, and documents the care. The level of supervision needed rises with the complexity of the task, the acuity of the client, and the inexperience of the delegatee.

Some sources describe five ''rights'' and others describe four or five ''factors'' or a five-step framework. The content is the same; candidates should recognize the concepts regardless of the label used.