Team nursing: experiences of nurse managers in acute care settings

Objective This study aimed to explore and describe nurse managers' experiences with a team-based approach to nursing care in hospital settings. Design A qualitative descriptive study using interviews to explore managers' experiences of team nursing. Setting Medical and surgical wards in an acute care setting Participants Five nurse managers (four female and one male) who volunteered to participate following calls for 'expressions of interest' in three acute care hospitals Findings The team nursing experiences of nurse managers are described using three main categories: adapting to team nursing, gains with team nursing and concerns with team nursing. Conclusions Nurse managers considered gains for staff and patients were made with the implementation of a team-based approach to nursing care. This team-based approach to care was regarded by managers to enable nursing staff of varying experience and skill to provide care more safely as direct supervision by more experienced staff was possible. However the role of team leader necessitated staff development and support to enhance clinical leadership skills involved in this new role.