What is the primary reason for using delegation in nursing?

Using delegation in nursing primarily aims to improve efficiency and build trust among team members. When nurses delegate tasks appropriately, they can focus on more complex patient care activities while ensuring that routine tasks are handled by qualified team members. This practice allows for a more organized and streamlined workflow, enhancing the overall care provided to patients.

Building trust is also essential in a healthcare setting, as collaboration is vital for effective patient care. By delegating tasks to capable aides or team members, a nurse fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Effective delegation also enhances staff development and helps team members grow their skills and confidence, which ultimately results in better patient outcomes.

The other options do not accurately represent the core purpose of delegation. Delegation is not meant to absolve a nurse of accountability, nor is it intended to reduce their workload entirely. Additionally, while nurse aides are skilled and competent, delegation does not grant them independence to make decisions outside their scope of practice. Instead, delegation is a collaborative act aimed at utilizing the strengths of the entire team while maintaining accountability for patient care.