The ability to delegate is one of the essential competencies for nurses and midwives and the decisions relating to delegation must be based on the fundamental principles of safety and public protection.
Before delegation the practice nurse should consider the needs and stability of the person being cared for, the complexity of the task, the expected outcomes, resource availability and professional judgement
Nurses and midwives are accountable for the decision to delegate care and should only delegate to a person who has had appropriate training and is competent to perform the task.
Those delegated to, need to know what is expected of them, understand their limitations, when to seek advice and that they become accountable for their actions and decisions. However, the nurse (or midwife) remains accountable for the overall management of the person in their care.