Who leads the team in a team nursing approach?

In a team nursing approach, the Registered Nurse (R.N.) leads the team. This is due to the R.N.'s comprehensive training and scope of practice, which includes coordinating and overseeing patient care. The R.N. not only has the clinical skills necessary to assess patients and formulate care plans but also plays a crucial role in delegating tasks and ensuring that all team members work collaboratively to meet the needs of patients.

The R.N. is responsible for supervising the work of health care aides, licensed practical nurses, and other team members, providing guidance and support as necessary. This leadership is essential to ensure that care is provided safely and effectively, as the R.N. integrates the input and skills of various team members while maintaining a holistic view of the patient's health and well-being.

The roles of health care aides, health unit clerks, and licensed practical nurses, while vital in their own right, do not include the same level of leadership and decision-making that is inherent in the R.N.'s position within the team. This distinction is what solidifies the R.N.'s leadership role in the team nursing model.