Teamwork project

[Linds91]

I am working on in a Birthcare Center this summer to help improve the teamwork/communication between the nurses and the unlicensed assistive personnel (techs). Everyone on the unit, knows this is a huge problem and it affects the efficiency of care for patients. The unit has two ORs for C-sections and only about three techs working at a time on the day shift. The main problem is that tasks aren't being done either by the nurse or tech and when that happens attitudes fly. This mainly occurs when a c-sections are to occur soon and the only ones that set up the OR are the techs. When this happens, the techs are taken off the floor, leaving their work uncompleted. So many of the nurses are so fed up with this problem that they don't even use the techs anymore, and just do everything themselves but then the techs feel their work is being taken away.

Basically, I need program/project ideas to try on this unit to improve communication/teamwork among these individuals. I am not allowed to adjust staffing/scheduling and so I have to work with the situation as is. Input from anyone in this field would be greatly appreciated!!

[resumecpr]

Sounds like the word DELEGATION needs to be defined with all staff members. If the RN's are in a tizzy about doing the tech's work, then they should reconsider their line of work. I empty garbage cans, wipe floors, and gluteal folds. I also titrate drips, manage vents and IABPs. If there are people to help, then great, if not, I always manage. Perhaps each staff member's role needs to be defined more clearly, so as they are all on the same page. Have you asked for the floor staff for their input and suggestions? Best of luck.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Are there techs on nightshift that would be willing/able to set up the ORs before leaving if there are early AM sections?

[mAGGI315]

I'll look through my note from one of my grad classes. We talked about delegation, teamwork and communicaton issues. One of the things we discussed is that having a meeting to talk about it doesn't always work. There's always those that are too shy or too inhibited to speak up, and those that are too harsh or dominate the meeting. So perhaps start out with a questionnaire of some kind that asks what people feel is the problem, what they feel some solutions are, how they feel they contribute to the problem and how they feel they can contribute to the solution. Make it anonymous.

then compile those answers and go from there. Maybe spend a day or so when everyone switches roles and tries to see it from the other sides point of view (I know nurses hate that, we really don't think we should have to do those "lower" jobs, but hey, that's always good for us and brings us down a notch).

Then, maybe assign teams, where nurses and techs are responsible as a team and all are equal in both the work and the resonsibility, no more blaming the techs or blaming the nurses, instead the whole team steps up. Write out a checklist or something that has to be completed and turned in to the charge nurse (and signed by all team members and initialed by who did what) by the end of the shift.

Allow them to be creative, participate in making up the checklists, brainstorming ideas in the checklists, etc.

I'll see what else I can find in my notes this week, good luck!