In a team nursing approach, who is primarily responsible for patient outcomes?

In a team nursing approach, individual nurses on the team are primarily responsible for patient outcomes because they directly engage in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Each nurse’s actions and decisions significantly influence the quality of care provided to patients. They establish therapeutic relationships, monitor patient status, administer medications, and provide education, all of which directly affect patient recovery and satisfaction.

While team leaders and healthcare facilities play crucial roles in facilitating teamwork and providing necessary resources, the individual nurses execute the care and interact with patients day-to-day. Their clinical judgments and hands-on care are fundamental in achieving the desired health outcomes for each patient. Additionally, the healthcare provider, while important, typically refers to the physician or nurse practitioner who may not be involved at the same level in the routine care as the nurses are. Thus, the individual nurses' responsibilities and actions make them the key players in determining patient outcomes in a team nursing framework.