what is functional nursing

Championisme authors

2 min read

·

10-10-2024

54

0

Share

Functional Nursing: A Streamlined Approach to Patient Care

Functional nursing is a model of patient care organization that focuses on tasks and skills rather than a holistic approach to individual patients. This means nurses are assigned specific duties or functions, like medication administration, wound care, or vital sign monitoring, regardless of the patient they are working with.

But how does it actually work?

Imagine a hospital ward where Nurse A is responsible for administering all medications, Nurse B handles wound care, and Nurse C takes vital signs. Each nurse performs their specific function throughout the ward, moving from patient to patient as needed.

What are the advantages of this approach?

• Efficiency: Functional nursing can be highly efficient, as nurses become experts in their assigned tasks. This leads to quicker completion of essential care.
• Cost-effectiveness: By focusing on specific skills, hospitals can potentially reduce the number of nurses needed, leading to cost savings.
• Simplified training: Nurses with specific functions require less comprehensive training compared to those using other models like team nursing.

However, functional nursing also faces criticism:

• Fragmentation of care: Focusing on tasks rather than individuals can lead to a fragmented patient experience, lacking a cohesive understanding of the overall patient needs.
• Limited patient-nurse relationships: Nurses are not assigned to specific patients, potentially reducing the opportunity to build strong therapeutic relationships.
• Missed opportunities for holistic care: Without a comprehensive view of the patient, nurses might miss important cues and changes in their condition.

Is functional nursing still relevant today?

While functional nursing was more common in the past, its use has decreased in recent years. Modern healthcare emphasizes patient-centered care, advocating for a holistic approach to individual needs.

Let's delve deeper into some key considerations:

According to a study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration by DeNisco and Parker (2009), functional nursing is still used in some settings, particularly during periods of staff shortages or in specific units with high patient volumes. The authors argue that "it is important to recognize that functional nursing is a viable model of care, but it must be implemented in a way that ensures patient safety and quality care."

To illustrate:

• In a busy emergency room, nurses might specialize in specific tasks like triage, wound care, or medication administration to efficiently handle a high influx of patients.
• In a surgical unit, nurses might focus on specific post-operative procedures like wound care or pain management.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of functional nursing depends on factors like the specific context, patient needs, and available resources. It's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks to ensure that this approach is appropriate and safe for patients.

Key takeaway:

While functional nursing has its advantages in specific situations, its limitations in promoting patient-centered care and building strong therapeutic relationships should be carefully considered. In modern healthcare, patient-centered care models, like primary nursing or team nursing, are increasingly favored.