Healthcare organizations face increasing demands to provide the most efficient and economical care possible. Emerging patient care delivery systems require that front-line RNs take on a broader scope of responsibility for patient care, particularly in the area of delegation. Research identifies that staff RNs experience much difficulty in delegating patient care (Conger, 1993; Hansten & Washburn, 1994). The purpose of this study was to explore RN and LPN perceptions of front-line delegation in their working relationships. In particular, the study sought to: (a) determine how changing roles of RNs and LPNs influenced front-line delegation; (b) answer how RNs viewed front-line delegation in comparison to LPNs; and (c) identify barriers to front-line delegation. The research was a qualitative study utilizing an open-ended interview guide to interview 4 non-managerial RNs and 4 LPNs who worked in a midwestern, mid-sized private hospital. Individual, one hour interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data analyses were conducted using the constant comparison technique to record, code, and analyze data. Symbolic interactionism provided a theoretical framework for conducting the study. Results indicate that (a) nursing role changes continued to influence front-line delegation over one year after the hospital\u27s implementation of a new patient care delivery system; (b) RN s and LPNs shared similar perceptions of delegation, including perceived barriers to delegation; and (c) RNs tended to learn delegation skills from vicarious role modeling rather than formal training
