Read the scenario below and highlight the statement that demonstrates shared governance. Select all that apply.

A hospital committee engages in a strategic planning process for the implementation of a facility-wide change that especially affects resident nurses. The committee insists on hosting regular Town Hall meetings, in which affected staff members and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

Choice A Reason:

Informatics fundamentally revolves around the management and use of data, information, and knowledge. These three components form the core of informatics, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. Data refers to raw facts and figures, information is processed data that is meaningful, and knowledge is the application of information to make decisions. This triad is essential for effective informatics practice in nursing, as it supports clinical decision-making and enhances the quality of care.

Choice B Reason:

While decision making, data gathering, and reporting are important aspects of informatics, they are not the fundamental principles. These activities are outcomes of effectively managing data, information, and knowledge. Decision making relies on the availability of accurate information and knowledge, which are derived from well-managed data. Therefore, these activities are secondary to the core principles of data, information, and knowledge.

Choice C Reason:

Wireless technology, voice recognition, and handheld devices are tools used in informatics but are not the fundamental principles. These technologies facilitate the collection, processing, and dissemination of data, information, and knowledge. They enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of informatics practices but do not constitute the core principles themselves. The focus should be on the underlying principles that these technologies support.

Choice D Reason:

Hardware, software, and printers are components of the technological infrastructure used in informatics. While essential for implementing informatics solutions, they are not the fundamental principles. These elements provide the necessary tools and platforms for managing data, information, and knowledge but are not the core concepts of informatics. The principles of data, information, and knowledge are what drive the effective use of these technologies.

Choice A Reason:

Ms. P’s lunch tray is expected to be ready in 30 minutes. Before delivering her meal, please review with her the instructions provided by the diabetes educator earlier this morning and assist her in understanding how to manage her carbohydrate intake. Once you’ve completed this, please report back to me. This scenario involves patient education, which is beyond the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), tasks that require specialized knowledge, judgment, and skills should not be delegated to UAP. Therefore, this scenario does not demonstrate appropriate delegation.

Choice B Reason:

Mr. O requires aid to use the restroom. I recognize that you’re new and might feel uneasy about this task, but the most effective way to learn is by giving it a try independently. After you’ve completed the task, please inform me of the outcome. While assisting a patient to use the restroom is within the scope of practice for UAP, the RN’s approach in this scenario lacks proper supervision and support. Effective delegation involves providing clear instructions, ensuring the delegatee is competent, and offering necessary supervision. This scenario does not fully meet these criteria.

Choice C Reason:

Mr. P has just called, reporting dizziness. Please attend to him promptly, assess his pulse, and if you suspect hypoglycemia, provide apple juice and then check his blood sugar. Afterward, please report your findings to me. This scenario involves assessment and clinical judgment, which are responsibilities of licensed nurses. UAP should not be tasked with assessing patients or making clinical decisions, as these require professional nursing knowledge and skills. Therefore, this scenario does not demonstrate appropriate delegation.

Choice D Reason:

Ms. O in Room 17 has completed her shower and requires assistance to return to bed. Please assist her promptly and ensure you bring her cane before you help her walk. After you’ve aided her back to bed, please inform me so I can evaluate her condition. This scenario is the best example of appropriate delegation. Assisting a patient with mobility and ensuring their safety by providing a cane are tasks within the scope of practice for UAP. The RN provides clear instructions and follows up to evaluate the patient’s condition, demonstrating effective delegation.