New Nursing Care Delivery Model with Nursing Assistants

Model Choice: Modified Team Nursing

Rationale:

• Leverages Existing Staff: We already have nursing assistants, and this model utilizes their strengths for tasks they are qualified to perform, freeing up nurses for more complex patient care.
• Scalability: This model can easily adapt to varying nurse-to-patient ratios depending on staffing availability.
• Structured Collaboration: Team nursing fosters communication and coordination between nurses and nursing assistants, ensuring a smooth workflow and comprehensive patient care.

Impact on the Organization:

• Improved Efficiency: Nurses can focus on more complex assessments, interventions, and patient education, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
• Enhanced Staff Satisfaction: Nurses might feel less burdened and more fulfilled with delegated tasks. Nursing assistants might feel more valued for their contributions.
• Potential Cost Savings: While adding assistants incurs costs, it might be offset by improved patient outcomes, reduced nurse turnover, and efficient use of staff time.

Challenges to the Change:

• Resistance from Nurses: Some nurses may feel deskilled or apprehensive about delegating tasks.
• Communication Breakdown: Clear communication channels between nurses, assistants, and other healthcare professionals are crucial to avoid confusion and potential errors.
• Adapting Workflows: Implementing a new model requires adjusting routines. There might be initial disruptions until everyone adjusts.

Strategies to Facilitate Change:

• Education and Training: Provide clear training on the new model, delegation principles, and effective communication for both nurses and nursing assistants.
• Open Communication: Address concerns and answer questions throughout the implementation process. Foster open communication channels between staff members.
• Phased Implementation: Start with a pilot program on one unit and gradually expand after addressing initial challenges.
• Performance Monitoring: Track key metrics like patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and efficiency to evaluate the model’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
• Incentives: Consider offering incentives for staff who demonstrate positive engagement with the new model.

Additional Considerations:

• Develop clear job descriptions and protocols for nurses and nursing assistants to ensure smooth delegation and role clarity.
• Invest in technology solutions that can support communication and collaboration between team members.
• Create a supportive environment where nurses feel empowered to provide guidance and mentorship to nursing assistants.

By implementing a modified team nursing model with careful planning and support, your organization can navigate the nursing shortage while maintaining quality care. This solution optimizes the use of existing staff resources and fosters a collaborative environment that benefits both patients and staff.