Abstract: Offers a NZ perspective on direction and delegation, a professional competency required of all NZ nurses. Explores nurses' perceptions about their direction and delegation experiences using a narrative approach, reflecting the importance of story in nursing. Uses the methodology and methods of narrative research to uncover how Enrolled and Registered Nurses understand the knowledge, skills and attitudes required during delegation interactions and how they applied this understanding to their communication. Identifies eight patterns, presented as eight narratives, that emerged from interviews with Enrolled and Registered Nurses, and the implications for nursing practice, research, policy design, and nursing education.