The Importance of Teamwork in Nursing

In the fast-paced field of healthcare, teamwork is an essential part of effective nursing. Nurses navigate complex care situations that require input from various roles daily, and the collaborative approach of the patient care team is key to delivering quality care and achieving positive outcomes. The foundations of teamwork in nursing are established during a nursing education, like the one offered through Mercer University’s Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track. Our 12-month curriculum is designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and guides students through labs and clinicals that prepare them for real-world practice. What does teamwork look like in the context of nursing, and what are its biggest benefits? In this post, we will examine this crucial element of nursing and share how a nursing education prepares you to enter the field.

The Benefits of Teamwork and Collaboration in Nursing

Teamwork in nursing is crucial, not only for patient care but also for each of the various medical professionals that make up the patient care team. When nurses work collaboratively, they create a more supportive and effective work environment, improving job satisfaction as well as the patient experience. But how exactly is each factor affected by collaboration in nursing?

Job Satisfaction

A work environment that champions teamwork can significantly improve overall nurse job satisfaction. In a collaborative environment, nurses can share the workload, reducing the stress of managing multiple patient care scenarios while still attending to regular daily duties. A shared sense of responsibility and shared decision-making fosters a sense of camaraderie and a positive workplace environment.

Improved Patient Experience

Collaboration in nursing directly translates to better overall patient care. When nurses work as a team and involve all members of the patient care team, they can better address the medical, emotional, or social needs of a patient. An article in the Canadian Pharmacists Journal states that a collaborative environment in a healthcare setting “has been shown to improve patient outcomes such as reducing preventable adverse drug reactions, decreasing morbidity and mortality rates and optimizing medication dosages.” This is due to multiple factors, including smooth transitions between shifts and efficient communication about any changes in a patient’s condition.

Collaboration in Nursing: Real-Life Situations

One of the most important elements of nursing teamwork is collaborative problem-solving. Nurses frequently consult with one another, as well as physicians and other professionals, when encountering patient care scenarios. This collaborative approach allows nurses to share their professional knowledge and work together to achieve the best possible outcome. Interdisciplinary collaboration is also vital. Whether discussing a medication plan with a pharmacist or aligning with a physician on patient goals, quality care starts with effective communication and collaboration.

Students participating in Mercer’s 12-month ABSN track will engage in in-hospital clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, allowing them to collaborate across various practice areas and patient populations. Communication skills are heavily emphasized during this period, building on the foundation established during in-person skills and simulation labs and preparing students for a career as a practicing nurse.

Ways to Promote Teamwork in Nursing

Now that we have explored some of the many benefits that teamwork in nursing offers for nurses, patients and healthcare organizations, we can examine ways you can promote teamwork and collaboration as a nurse. You can begin applying these principles even before entering a hospital, as they are equally important for working with your cohort members to achieve success.

Share Ideas

Open communication is the foundation of effective teamwork, benefitting everyone involved. Creating a space where each team member feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions ensures that everyone’s knowledge and experience can be fully utilized. Share ideas, especially if you have something to contribute toward the patient’s well-being, and remain open to what others have to say. Not only is this good for patients, but it can also strengthen team cohesion.

Nurture Communication

When you are working with numerous nurses and healthcare professionals, some of whom you may not know very well or encounter very often, fostering a sense of openness in matters involving patient care is a great way to build rapport while attending to patient responsibilities. Actively soliciting the opinions of others can expose you to ideas you may not have considered before.

Support Team Members

If you want to contribute to an atmosphere of trust and respect, offering practical or emotional support by lending a helping hand or a listening ear can go a long way. In a supportive team environment where every member of the healthcare team is working together and in sync, patient care can be more holistic and effective.

Prepare To Be a Team-Oriented Nurse With Mercer ABSN

If you would like to enter a career with a wide variety of career opportunities, nursing can be a highly appealing option. Located in Metro Atlanta, Mercer University’s ABSN track delivers a comprehensive, bachelor’s-level nursing education in as few as 12 months. If you want to learn more about this exciting field and how Mercer can advance your education, contact us today to have an enrollment counselor reach out and begin the conversation.