Topic > Understanding the Mechanics of a Nursing Team - 1293

Participation in teamwork is a significant part of a nurse's daily schedule. Understanding how a team works is essential. After all, this can lead to better team utilization within any organization and further improve results. After all, nursing could certainly benefit from a high-performing team, “teams make fewer errors than individuals” (Miller, Riley, & Davis, 2009, p. 248). Therefore, measures need to be taken to ensure that teams are functioning at high capacity. One way to monitor team success is to use a team evaluation questionnaire. The team questionnaire provides information on areas of the team that are working and addresses areas that may require a redesign. The questionnaire finally provides guidance to the team using thought-provoking questions. When using the questionnaire to evaluate the benefits of a team meeting. The questionnaire highlighted a deficiency in the area of ​​roles while most other areas such as activities, relationships and environment performed well; there were still opportunities for improvement. The purpose of this document is to evaluate the team's performance based on the results of the teamwork questionnaire. A team is made up of two or more individuals who come together for a common purpose (Baker, Day, & Sales, 2006). A recent team initiative called huddle was established at my facility on several pilot units. These initial meetings have proven effective and were implemented in my unit three weeks ago as a directive from our senior management. The meeting is a short nursing team meeting that occurs several times a day and lasts five to ten minutes. Meeting time will vary throughout the day to include all shifts and nursing staff. Additionally, meetings will consist of all available nurses on the unit and will be led by the manager or charge nurse. Team meetings are documented in a binder and are available for review by all staff. This team initiative was implemented on the same day that a new admission process occurred in the unit, so the team's main objectives will be to disseminate information and discuss issues that hinder patient flow in the surgery unit outpatient. The most lacking area of ​​the product team evaluation was in the roles category. Deficiencies would be appropriate since meetings are a new concept during a critical transition. Team members and unit issues will vary daily, which can contribute to uncertainty in nurse roles and responsibilities.