What defines functional nursing in a healthcare setting?

Functional nursing is characterized by a task-oriented organization of care. This approach involves dividing the nursing tasks among members of the healthcare team, allowing each caregiver to focus on specific duties and responsibilities rather than providing holistic care to a single patient. Each member of the nursing staff may be assigned certain tasks—such as administering medications, taking vital signs, or assisting with activities of daily living—enabling the team to efficiently meet the needs of multiple patients simultaneously.

In this model, the emphasis is on completing specific tasks rather than on the comprehensive needs of any one patient, which can lead to more efficient use of resources in busy healthcare environments. The functional nursing model can be particularly beneficial in settings where there is a high patient-to-nurse ratio, as it streamlines processes and manages demands on staff more effectively. This structure necessitates clear communication and teamwork among caregivers to ensure that all aspects of patient care are covered and that any issues requiring a more interpersonal approach to care are addressed appropriately.