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 represent structured methods of organizing and delivering patient care within healthcare systems. Because healthcare organizations vary in their size, resources, and patient demographics, the selection of a care model must align with the organization’s needs while adapting to ongoing changes in healthcare delivery. These models are often supported by organizational theories that provide frameworks for leadership, management, and collaboration (Finkelman, 2012).
Care models are not only operational tools but also reflective of the healthcare institution’s culture and approach to quality care. Each model is built to address specific challenges, whether they relate to staffing, patient complexity, or interdisciplinary coordination. Understanding these models enables nurses to apply the most effective strategies for achieving positive patient outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Care Model
In my current nursing practice, the interdisciplinary care model is the most prominent. This approach involves a high degree of collaboration among various healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, rehabilitation specialists, case managers, and dietary staff. The charge nurse plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless coordination between disciplines.
According to Finkelman (2012), the interdisciplinary or interprofessional practice model aligns with the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) recommendations for improving healthcare quality. This model emphasizes teamwork across professions to ensure continuous and reliable care, integrating knowledge and skills from various disciplines to address complex patient needs.
One example from my unit is our morning coordination meetings with case management. These discussions help identify post-discharge needs, such as assistive devices (e.g., canes, wheelchairs, walkers) or placement in facilities such as skilled nursing units, inpatient rehabilitation, or home health care services. Similarly, the rehabilitation department collaborates with nursing staff daily, exchanging updates about patient progress and emerging concerns.
Sullivan et al. (2015) highlight that interprofessional collaboration leverages diverse perspectives to address the multifaceted health concerns of individuals, families, and communities. This principle reinforces the notion that no single provider can manage all aspects of a patient’s care independently. Studies have consistently demonstrated that patient outcomes improve when providers collaborate as equals, combining their skills and expertise to develop effective care strategies (Naylor, 2011).
NR 447 Week 5 Nursing Care Models
Table 1 below summarizes the key elements of the Interdisciplinary Care Model:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Patient-centered care through collaborative team efforts |
| Team Composition | Nurses, physicians, case managers, rehabilitation staff, dietary specialists, and other providers |
| Advantages | Holistic care, improved patient outcomes, efficient use of expertise |
| Challenges | Requires strong communication, potential scheduling conflicts among disciplines |
Functional Nurse Care Model
The functional nursing care model is primarily task-oriented, focusing on the completion of specific duties assigned to different personnel. Finkelman (2012) notes that this model emerged during World War II when the demand for nurses exceeded supply, prompting the delegation of basic tasks—such as taking vital signs and administering medications—to trained aides.
Although functional nursing can increase task efficiency, it has significant limitations. It often fragments care, making it more difficult to address holistic patient needs. Staff members may experience high stress and job dissatisfaction, while patients may receive less personalized care (Clement, 2015).
Marquis and Huston (2009) caution that functional nursing can overlook critical priorities, reduce cost-effectiveness due to the need for multiple coordinators, and limit the engagement of healthcare workers in the broader care process.
Table 2 outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the Functional Nursing Care Model:
| Aspect | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | High productivity in completing routine tasks | Fragmented care; lack of holistic patient focus |
| Training Needs | Requires minimal training for basic tasks | Limits professional growth and skill utilization |
| Cost Impact | May reduce short-term labor costs | May increase coordination costs and decrease care quality |
Team Nursing Model
The team nursing model combines professional and non-professional staff in delivering complete patient care. The charge nurse develops the care plan and delegates responsibilities accordingly (Clement, 2015). This model aims to balance workload, reduce fatigue, and improve both staff morale and patient satisfaction.
Advantages of team nursing include reduced absenteeism, increased collaboration, and opportunities for skill development among less experienced staff (Nursing Management, 2010; Cioffi & Ferguson, 2009). Furthermore, it promotes mentorship and knowledge transfer by pairing novice nurses with seasoned practitioners.
However, challenges arise when communication is insufficient or when teams are constantly reshuffled, potentially disrupting care continuity (Nursing Management, 2010). Effective team nursing requires ongoing supervision, role clarity, and team-building activities to maintain cohesion.
Table 3 shows a comparative view of the Team Nursing Model:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership Role | Charge nurse coordinates care and assigns tasks |
| Advantages | Shared workload, mentorship, reduced stress, improved patient satisfaction |
| Challenges | Communication barriers, team instability, need for supervision |
| Impact on Quality of Care | Enhanced when teams function cohesively |
Conclusion
Each nursing care model serves a specific purpose in healthcare delivery, shaped by the historical context, staffing needs, and organizational goals. The interdisciplinary care model excels in managing complex patient needs through collaboration, the functional nursing model offers efficiency in high-demand situations but risks fragmented care, and the team nursing model fosters collaboration and mentorship while requiring careful management of communication and team dynamics.
Recognizing the strengths and limitations of each approach allows healthcare organizations to choose or adapt models that best serve their patients while maintaining a supportive and efficient work environment for staff.
References
Cioffi, J., & Ferguson, L. (2009). Team nursing in acute care settings: Nurses’ experiences. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18(20), 2932–2939. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2009.02867.x
Clement, I. (2015). Management of nursing services and education. Elsevier Health Sciences APAC.
Finkelman, A. (2012). Leadership and management: Core competencies for quality care (2nd ed.). Pearson.
NR 447 Week 5 Nursing Care Models
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2009). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Naylor, M. (2011, July). Viewpoint: Interprofessional collaboration and the future of health care. American Nurse Today. https://www.americannursetoday.com/viewpoint-interprofessional-collaboration-and-the-future-of-health-care
Nursing Management. (2010). Team nursing vs. primary nursing. http://teamnursing.net/2010/10/15/nursing-management-team-vs-primary/
Sullivan, M., Kiovsky, R., Mason, D., Hill, C., & Dukes, C. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration and education. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 115(3), 47–54.