NR 447 Week 5 Nursing Care Models

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare

Prof. Name:

Date

Nursing Care Models

Nursing care models are foundational frameworks in healthcare delivery, addressing the diverse needs of healthcare organizations. To remain effective, these models must adapt to changing requirements and integrate various organizational theories. As Finkelman (2012) notes, nursing care models are interwoven with organizational theories, emphasizing their importance in providing structured, effective care (p. 101).

Interdisciplinary Care Model

One prevalent nursing care model observed in many practice settings is the interdisciplinary care model. On my unit, this model involves active collaboration among charge nurses, floor nurses, case management, rehabilitation teams, and dietary departments. Finkelman (2012) highlights the importance of interprofessional practice models in quality improvement, as underscored in the IOM’s reports. The model fosters teamwork to “cooperate, collaborate, communicate, and integrate care in teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable” (2003, p. 4). This approach combines expertise from multiple disciplines to meet complex patient needs, ensuring patient-centered care remains the focus.

For instance, daily interdisciplinary meetings on our unit include discussions with case management to address patients’ discharge needs, such as mobility aids or transitions to skilled nursing facilities, rehab, or home health services. Collaboration with the rehab department ensures updated knowledge about patients’ progress and needs. Sullivan (2015) affirms that interprofessional collaboration enhances healthcare outcomes by leveraging diverse perspectives. Naylor (2011) adds that teamwork not only improves patient outcomes but also allows professionals to share competencies and experiences, fostering continuous improvement.

Functional Nursing Care Model

The functional nursing care model takes a task-oriented approach, focusing on job completion rather than holistic patient care. According to Finkelman (2012), this model originated during World War II to address a shortage of nurses and meet the urgent need for patient care. While it effectively delegated tasks like taking vital signs and administering medications, the model’s drawbacks include fragmented care and overwhelmed staff. Clement (2015) observed that this approach often leads to inefficiency and stress, which can compromise patient care.

Marquis and Huston (2009) elaborate on the potential pitfalls, noting that functional nursing can lead to fragmented care, overlooked priority needs, and diminished staff morale. Workers may feel underutilized, leading to disengagement. Thus, while this model historically addressed critical shortages, it may not align well with modern patient-centered approaches.

Team Nursing Model

The team nursing model emphasizes collaborative care, where professional and non-professional staff work together under the guidance of a charge nurse to deliver comprehensive patient care. Clement (2015) describes this model as a means to enhance care quality through shared responsibilities. Advantages include reduced stress and fatigue among staff, increased morale, and improved patient satisfaction (Nursing Management, 2010).

Despite its benefits, the model presents challenges, such as communication barriers and lack of team cohesion. Nursing Management (2010) highlights the importance of team supervision and consistent collaboration to avoid disruptions in care continuity. However, Cioffi and Ferguson (2009) note that team nursing enhances supervision of less experienced staff, supports peer learning, and promotes patient safety when implemented effectively. Overall, the team nursing model strikes a balance between patient-centered care and staff well-being, making it a preferred choice over the functional model.

Conclusion

Nursing care models are designed to address specific goals within healthcare settings, impacting patient care and organizational outcomes. By understanding and implementing appropriate models—such as interdisciplinary, functional, or team nursing—healthcare organizations can meet patient needs effectively while fostering a collaborative and efficient environment.

References

Clement, N. (2015). Nursing models and their applications in healthcare.

Cioffi, J., & Ferguson, L. (2009). Enhancing supervision through team-based approaches. Journal of Nursing Management.

Finkelman, A. (2012). Leadership and management for nurses: Core competencies for quality care.