Reference no: EM133260481

CASE

Lucy is a new graduate nurse undertaking a transition program in a large metropolitan hospital. In this program, each graduate has four clinical rotations. Lucy found out that her third rotation was to be a surgical ward and she wasn't looking forward to going there. However, the staff in this ward had a reputation for being supportive of new staff, and on Lucy's first day the manager brought in a 'welcome cake' for morning tea and personally introduced her to all the staff. The medical ward turned out to be Lucy's favourite ward: 'The nursing staff were "tough as nails" but funny and supportive. They followed up to make sure you were okay; and they genuinely wanted to help each other and their patients'. In this ward, routine interdisciplinary team meetings were conducted twice a week to discuss patients' prognosis and progress. Lucy was asked to attend and report on her patients. She felt quite intimidated but the doctor leading the meeting encouraged her, saying: 'Tell us what you think. You know your patients better than any of us.'

One morning Lucy was caring for a young man who was dying. Because her previous rotation had been in a hospice, she was concerned the man was being given unnecessary intravenous fluids, which were causing him distress. Lucy approached the doctor, who said 'Tell me what you think the patient needs.' Together they worked out a more appropriate treatment plan. After the man died, his family thanked Lucy because her advocacy meant their son died peacefully. During her last week on the ward, Lucy was awarded 'Star of the week' based on the feedback from patients, family and other staff. She said: 'Everyone was congratulating me, and I actually had a little cry. I was so proud because I really felt like one of the team.'

1. How was Lucy welcomed into the team?
2. How important is it to feel your contribution to the team is valued?
3. What impact did Lucy's sense of belonging have on her patient care?