Introduction
This essay reflects on a personal experience of working within an effective team during a clinical placement as part of my nursing studies. The purpose of this reflection is to explore the dynamics of teamwork in a healthcare setting, analyse the factors that contributed to the team’s success, and discuss my emotional response to this collaboration. Teamwork is fundamental to nursing practice, as it underpins patient safety and quality of care (West and Lyubovnikova, 2013). This essay will outline the context of the teamwork experience, examine the key elements that made the team effective, and consider how this impacted my feelings and professional development.
Context of the Teamwork Experience
During my second-year clinical placement in an acute care ward at a local NHS hospital, I was assigned to a multidisciplinary team comprising nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and support staff. Our primary objective was to coordinate care for a group of patients recovering from surgical procedures. The team was tasked with ensuring timely interventions, effective communication, and seamless transitions in care plans. This setting demanded high levels of collaboration, as delays or miscommunication could directly affect patient outcomes. Reflecting on this experience, I noted how the team’s shared commitment to patient-centered care created a unifying purpose, which aligns with research highlighting the importance of common goals in healthcare teams (Reeves et al., 2017).
Factors Contributing to Team Effectiveness
Several factors contributed to the team’s effectiveness, with clear communication standing out as paramount. Daily briefings were held to update all members on patient conditions, treatment plans, and individual responsibilities. This transparency ensured that everyone was aligned, reducing the risk of errors—a critical aspect of nursing practice (NHS England, 2016). Moreover, mutual respect among team members fostered a supportive environment. For instance, when I struggled with a complex wound dressing, a senior nurse patiently guided me through the procedure, which not only improved my skills but also reinforced my sense of belonging. This experience reflects the findings of West and Lyubovnikova (2013), who argue that psychological safety within teams encourages learning and innovation. Furthermore, the team demonstrated adaptability by swiftly adjusting to unexpected challenges, such as sudden changes in a patient’s condition, ensuring that care remained uninterrupted.
However, it is worth noting that the team was not without limitations. At times, heavy workloads led to occasional delays in non-urgent tasks. While this did not compromise patient safety, it highlighted the need for resource allocation—a common challenge in healthcare settings (Reeves et al., 2017). Despite this, the team’s overall cohesion and problem-solving ability made it highly effective.
Personal Feelings and Professional Growth
Working within this team evoked a profound sense of fulfillment and confidence. Initially, I felt apprehensive about my role as a student nurse, fearing I might hinder the team’s efficiency. However, the encouragement and inclusivity I experienced quickly alleviated these concerns. Indeed, contributing to successful patient outcomes, such as seeing a patient regain mobility through our coordinated efforts, filled me with pride and reinforced my passion for nursing. Emotionally, I felt valued and motivated, which aligns with literature suggesting that positive team dynamics enhance job satisfaction among healthcare professionals (West and Lyubovnikova, 2013). Professionally, this experience taught me the importance of communication and adaptability—skills I continue to refine in my studies and placements.
Conclusion
In summary, my experience of working in an effective multidisciplinary team during a clinical placement underscored the critical role of communication, respect, and adaptability in healthcare settings. While minor challenges arose, the team’s cohesion ensured high-quality patient care, leaving me with feelings of fulfillment and increased confidence. This reflection highlights the applicability of teamwork principles in nursing and the emotional rewards of collaborative practice. Moving forward, I aim to apply these lessons in future placements, recognising that effective teamwork not only benefits patients but also shapes my development as a competent and compassionate nurse.
References
- NHS England. (2016) Leading Change, Adding Value: A Framework for Nursing, Midwifery and Care Staff. NHS England.
- Reeves, S., Xyrichis, A. and Zwarenstein, M. (2017) Teamwork, Collaboration, Coordination, and Networking: Why We Need to Distinguish Between Different Types of Interprofessional Practice. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 32(1), pp. 1-3.
- West, M. A. and Lyubovnikova, J. (2013) Illusions of Team Working in Health Care. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 27(1), pp. 134-142.
