Perceptions of Teamwork in Schools of Nursing

Background: Characteristics of high-performing teams include shared purpose, clear vision, strong leadership, and the ability to use conflict management when needed. While many individuals who teach in schools of nursing come from the clinical setting where teamwork is normative, that same expectation of teamwork may not be present for the faculty as a whole. Purpose: This study assessed perceptions of teamwork among faculty members in schools of nursing in 4 states in the Midwestern region of the United States. Methods: Perception of teamwork, related to communication, leadership, team structure, situation monitoring, and mutual support, was examined using a modified TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire. Results: Perceptions of teamwork were highest for team structure and leadership, whereas communication, situation monitoring, and mutual support were lower. In addition, teamwork dimension scores were higher for those who previously participated in teamwork training. Conclusions: There are opportunities to improve teamwork in all domains. Teamwork skills are transferrable to different roles and across various situations; therefore once learned and fostered, these can impact the individual as well as improve the organizational climate.