Factors influencing outcomes after delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel.

The authors discuss a national survey of licensed nurses that describes factors associated with patient outcomes when nursing activities are delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Licensed nurses' overall experience and UAP's experience in the current work setting were associated with more positive events. When the outcome of the delegated activity was determined by routine observation, more positive events occurred. However, when there was no direct supervision of the UAP, more negative events occurred. Recognition of the importance of the supervisory process has implications for educational opportunities that focus on strengthening licensed nurses' delegation competencies.