The model stresses efficiency, but in practice, Team Nursing
is the equivalent of assembly-line care. In contrast, primary nursing is first class—it centers on the relationship between patient and Nurse.

Team nursing was popularized during nursing shortages, especially during times of war. In the height of the pandemic, hospitals turned to Team Nursing to deal with the onslaught of critical patients.

In team nursing, the nurse accountable for tasks performed by other team members. Assigning staff with this model can be problematic, especially in systems with unstable staffing patterns.

When hospitals seek creative ways to cut corners while maintaining mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios, they often turn to team nursing. Staffing this keeps in ratio on paper, but it ignores acuity. This puts your patients and your license at risk.

Cons of Team Nursing

• Fragmented care if communication and
  coordination are not effective.
• Patients do not receive consistent care
  from the same nurse.
• Not suitable for patients who require
  more intensive or individualized care.
• Does not provide the same level of
  accountability as primary nursing.