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 to become effective team leaders and team members. The author reviews the literature on teams to define the concept of teams in the context of group process, and discuss effective team characteristics and barriers that often impede the success of teams. Whether the nurse carries the hat of educator, administrator, practitioner, or staff nurse, all will be part of a team within the changing health care environment.