Moving from parallel play to team play

Changes in the reimbursement of health care services have required provider systems to become leaner and more attuned to point-of-service demands. As a result of these accommodations, working relationships among the various health care professionals and para-professionals have been altered. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation is not immune to these modifications, thus, the ability to work as a team is now a requisite skill for all those involved in patient care. Although the premise of teamwork is an accepted concept among health care professionals, the reality is that they really work more in a parallel play understanding. This article discusses the competencies needed by nurse managers to lead health care teams and the education provided to assist them to move health care professionals from this parallel play to a team approach to patient care.