Patient Care Team Model

History Patient Care Teams became a common model of nursing care following World War II. History of Nursing Ideas, by Linda C. Andrist, Patrice K. Nicholas, Karen Anne Wolf, page 310.

History The Patient Care Team concept was influenced by wartime experiences. History of Nursing Ideas, by Linda C. Andrist, Patrice K. Nicholas, Karen Anne Wolf, page 310.

History The goal was to create a team of care providers led by a Professional Nurse. History of Nursing Ideas, by Linda C. Andrist, Patrice K. Nicholas, Karen Anne Wolf, page 310.

History Emphasis was placed on effective communication and delegation to enhance team function. History of Nursing Ideas, by Linda C. Andrist, Patrice K. Nicholas, Karen Anne Wolf, page 310.

Purpose For alternative staffing options during periods of high census and staffing challenges. That will be used at the discretion of the Charge Nurse.

Team Model Teams will include an RN and a Paramedic in a patient care assignment not to exceed 6 beds. These assignments can include the following: 1. A5-A10 2. A11-A14, AH3, & AH4 3. A15-A20 4. C25-C30 5. B Hall (6 beds total) 6. F Hall (6 beds total)

The RN and Paramedic work cohesively together, with ongoing communication with each other to provide excellent patient care.

RN role in the team model The RN is the Patient Care Team Leader and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Patient triage. Initial patient assessment. Patient teaching. Discharge. Conscious sedation. Give and receive an SBAR bedside report, as a team, with paramedic when handing off care. Refer to Policy 201210-30.67 RN Role and Responsibilities

Paramedic role in the team model The paramedic responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Assist in all patient care within scope of practice. Document all patient care performed. Give and receive an SBAR bedside report, as a team, with RN when handing off care. Refer to Policy 201210-30.75 Paramedic Job Roles and Responsibilities

Benefits of a Team Model Team members interact more closely, which encourages trust and cooperation among them. Each patient benefits from the combined skills of the team, in that needs that might not be recognized in the functional system may be identified in a team environment. Patients are more satisfied. Ideally, a team model recognizes and uses the different skill levels of each team member. Nursing Malpractice, 2nd edition, By Patricia W. Iyer, Tonia D. Ailken, page 48.

Things to Remember

Team Assignment The RN is the Team Leader. There is no “my patients” or “your patients” only “our patients”.

Clinical Judgment Always use good clinical judgment, if you are uncertain about ANYTHING seek advisement from your Team Leader.

Don’t leave your teammate. When assigned to the Team Model, it is important that you do not leave your teammate to perform tasks outside of your assignment. When asked to do so by other staff members explain to them that you cannot because you are in an assignment.

Take initiative. initiative ability to act on your own: the ability to act and make decisions. Be self-motivated to accomplish what needs to be done, without prompting.

Documentation There should be a mutual understanding that the RN documents what the RN does and the Paramedic documents what the Paramedic does.

Timely Documentation One of the greatest challenges in patient care is staying on top of your charting. Make it a habit to immediately document after every task/intervention/interaction performed.

Communicate Ongoing communication is the key to a successful Patient Care Team. The problem with communication…is the illusion that is has been accomplished. --George Bernard Shaw

Conflict Resolution If conflict arises within the team that cannot be resolved, do not hesitate to communicate your concerns with the Charge Nurse.

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime." --Babe Ruth