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What are good techniques to be able to delegate appropriately? How can I avoid sounding bossy?


October 29th, 2021

This is a good question and one that I still struggle with. I've noticed that saying something along the lines of "Hey can you help me with xxx? If you need anything, just come grab me and well figure it out together." For me I've gotten better results that way. But if anyone else has a better method, please share!!

March 15th, 2022

I struggle too but I’m learning that it’s good to communicate with your team about your work/case load & where you could use help. And ask them in return how you can help.

July 2nd, 2022

The best way to not sound bossy, in my opinion, is to simply preface the request firstly with”Hey, I have to do ‘X’/I’m stuck doing ‘X’, do you mind doing ‘X’/can you do ‘X’ for me, please? I would really appreciate it!”

Honest and truly, I say these words more or less exactly like that (because I legit only delegate if I can’t do something myself being preoccupied elsewhere). It tells the person you are preoccupied and simultaneously shows appreciation. Hope that helps :)

April 22nd, 2022

There are two techniques I use.
The first is to always say please and thank you.
The second is to include your “peer” in the decision making process.
Remembering you’re only as good as your team.

July 24th, 2022

Try to keep everything on a team approach. When staff feel that they are working together as a team it is easier to delegate. Also you have to delegate fairly. Even if you have a favorite staff member, you can not give them a lighter load.

April 23rd, 2022

I just like to say, “Would you mind…?”… and make sure they see you doing your part to help and not just constantly asking for assistance. Its a team effort.

March 26th, 2022

Simple.

Remember, your PCA’s are your coworkers. You both have a common goal despite having different job descriptions and roles.

The common goal is patient care.

Simply asking them to “help” you change a patient’s sheets and reposition a patient will help you earn their respect. When you both take part in the task, mutual respect is fostered.

They’ll eventually have your back when a patient asks for little things that you otherwise couldn’t address at the time.

The name of the game is respect.

March 26th, 2022

say, "i need your help"
that gets the buy-in.

May 8th, 2022

Learning to build coworkers up citing their strengths when asking for help with a task, “you’re so amazing with phlebotomy tasks, can you do such and such for me?” Or ask for tutorial help when gave more time.

October 8th, 2023

First know what you are delegating, have reasonable expectation , communicate clearly.
I found that making it a team effort was successful.

February 5th, 2023

No matter what always remember your manners...please & thank you go a long long way.

October 30th, 2022

I agree with Briana—always offer and be available to help if needed. Establish rapport and mutual respect even when you don’t need anything. I would add that if you see your aid is working with a patient that you know is heavy, pop in and ask if they need something (extra wipes, help with a pull-up, a sheet, etc). Sometimes they’re knee deep into a code brown and it helps to not have to leave the room to get one thing. Every little bit helps them feel supported by you and it goes a long way in establishing a team relationship. If they know you have their back, they will likely have yours.

Don’t ever throw your weight over them by using your level (RN vs Certified Nurse assistant) against them. Don’t ever assume you know more than them, it isn’t always true. Everyone’s experience and background is different. They could be just as educated or more than you. I met a young volunteer helping out on our floor doing things like getting water for patients, making beds, etc. It turned out that she just graduated from medical school in another country and was trying to find a hospital training program at my hospital.

September 8th, 2022

I usually say "hey, when you get a chance can you...." asking well ahead of time usually helps. I also only ask if I really need them to do something I can't do by myself. My unit is usually understaffed so there'll be 1 tech for all 33 pts which isn't fair to them especially on an ICU floor

August 13th, 2022

Those are all great answers, tips, suggestions, advice. It can be hard sometimes when you need to delegate especially to someone who is not a nurse, especially if they look at you as superior but not in a good way. There are those that no matter what you do or say, you will look or sound “bossy”. But that’s their problem not your’s.