In this assignment, we will discuss one of the issues raised by the graduate nurses described in the video. The chosen issue is skill mix. This choice is justified based on our group’s online discussions and selected literature, which have highlighted the importance of proper skill mix in the healthcare setting. Skill mix refers to the combination of different healthcare professionals with varying levels of skills and expertise within a healthcare team.
One of the key concerns raised by the graduate nurses in the video was the lack of appropriate skill mix in their workplace. They highlighted that they were expected to perform tasks that were beyond their skill level, which compromised patient safety and increased their workload. This issue is not unique to this particular workplace, as research has shown that inadequate skill mix can lead to a multitude of problems, including negative impacts on patient care and nursing teamwork.
The concept of skill mix acknowledges that not all tasks require the same level of expertise. By appropriately assigning tasks to individuals with the appropriate skill set, healthcare teams can optimize patient outcomes and ensure efficient use of resources. However, when there is a mismatch between the required skills for a task and the skills possessed by the assigned healthcare professional, it can result in suboptimal care and potential harm to patients.
Unresolved issues related to skill mix can lead to conflicts in the workplace. Firstly, there may be disagreements among healthcare professionals regarding the appropriate allocation of tasks. In the case of the graduate nurses in the video, they felt that they were being assigned tasks that were beyond their competency and that they were not adequately supported by more experienced staff. This can create a sense of frustration and animosity among team members, which can negatively impact nursing teamwork and collaboration.
Conflicts arising from skill mix issues can also arise from a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. When healthcare professionals are unsure about their own scope of practice and what tasks they are authorized to perform, it can lead to confusion and potential conflicts with other team members who may have a different understanding of the situation. This can create a breakdown in communication and coordination within the healthcare team, further compromising patient care and nursing teamwork.
Furthermore, unresolved skill mix issues can result in increased workload and stress for healthcare professionals. As seen in the video, the graduate nurses expressed feeling overwhelmed and unsupported when asked to perform tasks outside of their competency. This can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction among healthcare professionals, which can further inhibit effective teamwork and collaboration.
In conclusion, the issue of skill mix raised by the graduate nurses in the video is a significant concern that can have far-reaching impacts on patient care and nursing teamwork. Inadequate skill mix can compromise patient safety, lead to conflicts among healthcare professionals, and increase workload and stress. Addressing this issue requires clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, as well as appropriate support and mentoring for less experienced healthcare professionals. By ensuring that tasks are assigned to individuals with the appropriate skills, healthcare teams can provide high-quality care and foster a positive working environment for all team members.
