Collaboration is an inherent part of many professions, especially if specialists need to engage with each other to deliver products or services. In healthcare, nurses work with a variety of other specialists when caring for patients. Moreover, nurses often work in teams and exchange knowledge inside and outside of their units. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine ([IOM], 2010) released a report in which nurses’ increased collaboration is highlighted as one of the main goals for the future of healthcare. A hospital environment benefits from collaboration, making the practice more open to positive development (Zaccagnini & Pechacek, 2021). As Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP), graduates also take up new roles that require them to work with other people to achieve goals (Zaccagnini & Pechacek, 2021). This paper reviews the value of collaboration and its potential impact on the practice and nurses’ personal roles.
Intra- and interprofessional collaboration implies the teamwork or information exchange between people working towards the same or similar goals. In interprofessional teams, nurses work together to provide high-quality care. Interprofessional partnerships include professionals from different segments – nurses, physicians, pharmacists, anesthesiologists, researchers, managers, and others. Both types of collaboration can increase the group’s overall knowledge and present different perspectives on the same question. Such a plurality of viewpoints and philosophies may benefit in solving problems and overcoming obstacles.
For example, in practice, a DNP nurse can take a nurse administrator’s position, overseeing the performance of other nurses. In this case, collaboration with the subordinates allows the DNP nurse to establish strong relationships inside the team and foster an open and honest culture. The choice of cooperation influences the nurse administrator’s leadership style and promotes an atmosphere of democracy and teamwork (Waxman & Maxworthy, 2010). Simultaneously, the administrator can engage in interprofessional collaboration, working with other administrative staff. In this case, the DNP nurse may achieve a high level of transparency in such issues as finance and human resources, consistently being a part of the larger team.
Collaboration is also advantageous to the nurse and the health outcomes in an academic setting. Cygan and Reed (2019) talk about the teamwork between DNP and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) nurses. The two types of doctoral degrees present nurses with different focus areas. By collaborating in research, DNP and Ph.D. nurses can address their own areas of expertise and raise the quality and depth of their study (Cygan & Reed, 2019). As an outcome, better studies that consider both the theory behind the investigation and its practical impact serve as a substantial addition to scholarship.
My role as a nurse can change as I engage in collaboration in different circumstances. Interprofessional collaboration allows me to become equal to my colleagues, voice my opinion, and share my expertise. It also grants me a chance to use my colleagues’ knowledge for continuous learning and patient care. Interprofessional partnerships provide similar opportunities, widening one’s perception of nursing and care in general. In academic environments, collaboration reduces isolation, improves research, and creates connections for the future (Cygan & Reed, 2019).; Zaccagnini & Pechacek, 2021). Thus, it benefits all nurses who participate in it, driving the quality of patient care and health outcomes.
Collaboration is an inherent part of healthcare, and nurses often work in teams. The value of teamwork is that it fosters relationships and increases knowledge development. Collaboration leads to creating open environments where professionals feel encouraged to share their expertise. The abundance of viewpoints leads to the creation of creative and thought-out solutions. In the end, collaboration is beneficial to all participating specialists and patients alike.
References
Cygan, H. R., & Reed, M. (2019). DNP and Ph.D. scholarship: Making the case for collaboration.Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(5), 353-357.
Institute of Medicine (IOM). (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health [Ebook]. National Academies Press.
Waxman, K.T., & Maxworthy, J. (2010). The doctorate of nursing practice degree and the nurse executive: The perfect combination.Nurse Leader, 8(2), 31-33.
Zaccagnini, M. & Pechacek, J. M. (2021). The doctor of nursing practice essentials: A new model for advanced practice nursing (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.