Teamwork: A Recipe for Positive Patient Outcome and Self Satisfactio

[Lourdes FMcD, RN]

Teamwork: ARecipe for Positive Patient Outcome and Self Satisfaction

Like Phil Jackson once quoted, "The strength of theteam is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team" (Jackson, 2014). How true is this quote, we all have ourstrengths and weaknesses that blended together with other members of the teamcan only culminate a synergy. The recipecan only be blended when members of the team are aware of each other'sstrengths and weaknesses, have high respect for each other, and have trust andopen communication to assist one another in building those weaknesses toaccomplish the unit goal.

We all know that in order to have a successfulpatient outcome everyone caring for that patient must work together and haveexcellent communication skills. Although,many times communication breaks down somewhere along the line and things getmissed. As we have all experiencedsometime in our career working with different personalities, and work ethics,not everyone communicates the same or has the same work ethic. Some feel that the minimum is sufficientwhere others will go beyond what is expected of them knowing that the outcomeof a patient is primary.

Another team ingredientfor a successful result that increases a positive patient outcome is thepatient and their family. How many timeshave we had a patient who has been noncompliant with the care of their disease?Yet, their expectations are demanding and unrealistic.

Once upon a story, there was a patient with diabetesmellitis insulin dependent, who was noncompliant with insulin or diet, cameinto the emergency department with complaints of vomiting and weakness. We had a difficult time starting an IV; the adultpatient was moving, kicking and yelling "I don't want an IV". In the process of explaining the importanceof the IV in order to improve this patient's outcome, the family started alsoyelling at us. This brings me to theimportance of having the patient and family on board in order to have a goodteam and a better outcome. After theteam (doctor, nurses, and specialist) spoke to the family and explained theprocess, and how our primary goal was to save a life and improve an outcome,the family then spoke to the patient and calmed the patient down explainingwhat needed to be done.

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together isprogress, and working together is success", Henry Ford (Ford, 2014). Building and maintaining a good team is workand will need each member's patience, respect, and excellent communication skills. Teams bring successful outcomes and are beingused in all organizations throughout different disciplines. So when any one person thinks that being partof a team is not necessary think again.

We have all experienced being part of a teamsometime in our professional life or even our personal life. How many of us have experienced satisfactionwith a positive outcome. I know I have,making me proud to have been part of that team, and when the outcome could havebeen better, knowing I could talk to the team to improve things.

Teamwork is crucial in building teams. Teams will always be needed to yieldexcellent outcomes. Excellent outcome isthe team's goal as a unit and organization. Organizations will always need team players. Be or become an excellent team player byhaving an open mind and building excellent communication skills.

Ford, H. (2014). Motivating Quotes. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2014, from Quotes for Teamwork:http://www.motivatingquotes.com/teamwork.htm

Jackson, P. (2014). goodreads. Retrieved February 20,2014, from Quotes about Teamwork: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/teamwork