NURSES’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS EFFECTIVE DELEGATION IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL LAYYAH

Abstract

Background: Delegation is a critical component of effective nursing management, enabling nurse leaders to optimize care delivery by distributing tasks according to skill level and workload. Globally, effective delegation is recognized as a core nursing competency that enhances team performance, patient satisfaction, and organizational efficiency. In clinical settings with high patient turnover and limited staffing, such as public hospitals, understanding nurses' attitudes toward delegation becomes essential for ensuring safe and efficient care practices.

Objective: To determine nurses’ attitudes towards effective delegation in a public hospital in Layyah, Pakistan.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive and correlational study was conducted over six months at DHQ Hospital Layyah. A total of 70 female nurses, including charge nurses and nurse managers aged 21–40 years, were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising three sections: demographic information, 11 attitude-related items, and 12 delegation practice-related items, all rated on a five-point Likert scale. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated at 0.70, indicating good internal consistency. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0, including frequencies, percentages, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: Among the 70 participants, 87.2% were aged 21–30 years, while 12.8% were aged 31–40 years. All respondents were female. Educational qualifications included 50% GNM, 29% Post-RN BScN, and 21% BSN. Most nurses (64%) had over 10 years of experience. Departmental representation was evenly split between medical (43%) and surgical (43%), with 14% from emergency. Overall, 93% of participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward delegation, while only 7% showed negative attitudes. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between attitude and actual delegation practices (r = 0.065, p = 0.590).

Conclusion: The study found a predominantly positive attitude among nurses towards delegation. Despite this, effective application remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for targeted training and institutional support to translate positive perception into practice.