In anticipation of a nursing shortage, the nursing management in a facility is investigating a nurs-ing care delivery model that involves the division of tasks, with one nurse assuming the responsi-bility for particular tasks. This model is called:

Question

1. Total patient care
2. Functional nursing
3. Team nursing
4. Primary nursing

Answer 1

ANS: 2
Functional nursing is task-focused, not client-focused. In this model, tasks are divided, with one nurse assuming responsibility for specific tasks. Total patient care is a model of care where an RN is responsible for all aspects of care for one or more clients. The RN may delegate aspects of care, but retains accountability for care of all assigned clients. In team nursing a registered nurse leads a team that is composed of other RNs, LPNs or LVNs, and nurse assistants or technicians. The team members provide direct client care to groups of clients, under the direction of the RN team leader. Nurse assistants are given client assignments rather than being assigned particular tasks. Primary nursing is a model of care delivery whereby an RN assumes responsibility for a caseload of clients over time. Typically the RN selects the clients for his or her caseload and cares for the same clients during their hospitalization or stay in the health care setting.