Roles of Health Professionals

This week I was expecting to learn more about the interdisciplinary team and the way that I, as the RN, fits into the team.  I also wanted to learn more about the roles of other health professionals within the interdisciplinary team and the characteristics of effective interdisciplinary teams.  Lastly, I was expecting to learn more about the benefits on patient outcomes as a result of collaborating within interdisciplinary teams.

I feel that I gained a new appreciation for all of the different members of the interdisciplinary team, and how we all work together for the betterment of our patients and their families.  The critical thinking assignment, case study, and discussion all helped to look at different aspects of the team and how they are intertwined.  I feel that I have a better understanding of what an interdisciplinary team is and what my role is within the team. 

As I said above, the activities this week were very beneficial, especially to get the thoughts from my team members in the discussion.  This was a good discussion about a family and their overall struggle with juvenile diabetes.  It was really good to hear other opinions on the topic and the way that they would go about dealing with the situation.

As I have switched from nights to days, the need to work more within an interdisciplinary team is significantly increased.  There are many more members of the team that I never knew existed or how they played a role in the team until now.  I will use this information to work more cohesively with them I as work for the best care for each and every patient. 

This was a very interesting and rewarding unit.  The information gained this week will be vital for me as I continue to grow as a young nurse and develop into a great caregiver for my patients.