TEAMS - GROUP-PROCESS, SUCCESS, AND BARRIERS

The business philosophy of total quality management is saturating the healthcare arena, and with it brings new meaning to the old concept of team. Nurses are not exempt from this concept, and will be expected t o become effective team leaders and team members. The author reviews t he literature on teams to define the concept of teams in the context o f group process, and discuss effective team characteristics and barrie rs that often impede the success of teams. Whether the nurse carries t he hat of educator, administrator, practitioner, or staff nurse, all w ill be part of a team within the changing health care environment.