What is the best definition of the functional nursing model of care delivery?

Nursing care delivery from Princy Francis M

Functional Care Delivery Model Care delivery Model in Nursing is the managerial structure under which nursing care is delivered to patients ( ). There are several model of delivering nursing care available to health care institutions. Examples of care delivery models are • Case method model, in which one nurse provides complete care for a patent during an assigned shift. • Functional model, where care is delivered by many caregivers each performing a specific task for a single patient. • Team model, is a modified form of the functional model, utilizing a more favorable ratio of nurses and UAPs ( Unlicensed assistant personnel’s) • Primary nursing, the registered nurse functions autonomously as the patient’s primary nurse through the patient’s hospital stay ( Manthey, Ciske, Robertson &Harris, 1970). Each of these models has their benefits and liabilities. Some of the benefits are cost control, patient’s coverage, patient satisfaction etc. The liabilities includes patient dissatisfaction, negative impact on quality of care, and reduced job satisfaction for nurses. ( ). In consideration of the cost benefits analysis, some institutions may adopt a blend of several delivery models. ( ) the model that will be examined here is the Functional care delivery model of Nursing. The Functional care delivery model of Nursing was popularized during the period of

Although the job duties of nurses generally are wide and varied, within the context of functional nursing the nurses have only one and maybe two responsibilities that they are charged with performing throughout their work day. The primary purpose of functional nursing is to ensure that no patient goes without a vital component of care.

Definition

Functional nursing was designed around an efficacy model that seeks to get many tasks accomplished in a short period of time. It is task-oriented in scope. Instead of one primary nurse performing many functions, several nurses are given one or two assignments. For example, there is a medicine nurse whose sole responsibility is administering medications. A treatment nurse is charged with giving patients diagnostic tests as well as providing accurate diagnoses according to the patient's symptoms and test results. A charge nurse works in tandem with the physician and ensures that the patient receives optimum care. The principal idea of functional nursing is for nurses to be assigned tasks, not patients.

History

Functional nursing arose during the Great Depression in the United States when there were not enough trained nurses available. Before this time, registered nurses generally did not work in public health care facilities such as hospitals. They were, by and large, private practitioners. During the Depression, many nurses became employees rather than independent contractors. In doing so, they would be guaranteed income. During World War II, hospitals saw their nursing staffs drastically decrease. Skilled licensed nurses went overseas or volunteered at Veterans Administration hospitals to care for injured soldiers. To supplement this shortage, hospitals began using less qualified personnel, such as nurse's aides. It was more practical to teach the ancillary personnel one skill rather than inundating them with several, thereby causing a deterioration in care.

Advantages

When functional nursing was introduced, there were many advantages. For example, nurse's aides, only trained to provide a certain level of care and could only do what they were proficient in doing. The repetitive nature of only doing one thing lends itself to the staff member acquiring the skill faster. This is an efficient way to provide care that has translated to more modern times. It is a cost-efficient model because fewer registered nurses are needed.

Disadvantages

Functional nursing arose out of necessity and, arguably, this model is no longer needed. Insofar as the efficient way tasks are carried out by multiple nurses, it leads to an impersonal relationship with patients. The assembly line approach is fragmented and the nurse-patient relationship does not flourish. Also, it limits the growth of registered nurses. If a nurse only performs one job duty, she limits the application of the education and training that she received.

References

  • International Council of Nurses: Definition of Nursing

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What is functional nursing care delivery model?

The functional nursing method reduces communication between health team members. The performance of tasks is assumed as the primary purpose in this method, where each nurse “routinizes” the provision of care instead of adopting procedures to provide personalized care to meet each patient's needs [4].

Which are advantages of the functional model of nursing care delivery?

Its primary advantage is that it ensures a total continuity of the shift by ensuring total coverage of tasks. As the registered nurse is the one in charge, responsibility is clear. One disadvantage is that total patient care can be costly.

What is functional method of patient care modality?

Functional Nursing It is a task-oriented method wherein a particular nursing function is assigned to each staff member. The medication nurse, treatment nurse and bedside nurse are all products of this system.

What is functional nursing quizlet?

Functional Nursing. In functional nursing, the needs of a group of patients are broken down into tasks that are assigned to RNs, LPNs, or UAPs. Under this model an RN assesses patients whereas others give baths, make beds, take vital signs, administer treatments, and so forth.