(2) To assign personnel. Personnel assignments are made with the patient's
needs and each team member's proficiency in mind. The team leader reviews the nursing
care plan, provides each team member with a written assignment sheet, and discusses
the assignment with each member. The team leader also assigns breaks and lunch time.
(3) To assist team members with patient care. The team leader may assist
with patient care as needed, but usually supervises the care that team members provide
and sees that the goals of patient care are being met. He explains procedures to team
members.
(4) To coordinate staff activities. The team leader coordinates staff activities
to ensure quality patient care. The team leader attends patient care conferences and
provides input to the Nursing Care Plan. He keeps abreast of any changes in patient
status. He ensures utilization of quality assurance and infection control policies.
(5)
To motivate the team. The team leader motivates the team to give skilled
nursing care. Self-esteem, status, affiliation with others, affection, giving, accomplishment,
and self-assertion are regarded as secondary needs. These needs vary in intensity with
various individuals. The team leader must do or say those things, which will influence the
team members to act in the desired manner (give skilled nursing care).
(6) To make final rounds. About one hour before the shift ends, the team
leader should begin final rounds to observe and assess patient care and patient needs,
and to see that everything is in order before the staff goes off duty for that shift. In making
final rounds, the team leader would include the following:
(a)
Check for completion of assignments.
(b)
Check input/output (I&O) sheets.
(c)
Check intravenous (IV) infusions and nasogastric (NG) intubations.
(d)
Review nursing documentation.
(e) Talk to the patients. Gather information for the change of shift report.
Listen for compliments or complaints concerning nursing care.
(f) Thank team members and give constructive feedback to those team
members who were unable to complete their assignments.
(7) To complete nursing care rounds. The team leader should visually assess
individual patients following the change of shift report.
MD0906
7-7