What critical guiding principle does a nurse manager emphasize regarding patient care assignments?

The emphasis on shared accountability in patient care assignments is essential for effective teamwork and safety in a healthcare setting. When a nurse manager highlights that the nurse shares accountability for delegated tasks, it underlines the collaborative nature of patient care. Delegation is not about offloading responsibility; rather, it involves ensuring that all team members understand their roles and contributions to patient outcomes.

This principle fosters a culture of teamwork, where everyone involved in patient care is aware of their responsibilities and the importance of communication among team members. It also promotes a sense of ownership and vigilance amongst nurses for tasks they have delegated, ensuring that patient safety and quality of care remain a priority.

The other options do not capture the essence of collaborative responsibility in healthcare. Avoiding responsibility for others' actions diminishes the importance of teamwork and accountability. Delegating all tasks without supervision can lead to unsafe practices and inadequate patient care. Lastly, the idea that a nurse is solely accountable for patient outcomes fails to recognize the interdependent nature of healthcare roles and the importance of collaboration in delivering comprehensive patient care.