In developing the Primary Care Team, nurses and nurse managers established a set of principles to guide their work.  The core of the principles is that every patient and every nurse deserves an experienced RN.  The principles are embedded in the organization’s culture from hiring to orientation to daily care delivery.  In addition, the model is strongly linked to patient safety and modeled on the IOM National Patient Safety Goals.  In each element of the model, there is a printed correlation to the NPSG so that staff understand that the model is grounded in and supported by national research and evidenced-based practice.

While the principles underlying the model are non-negotiable, the specific way the model is implemented on a unit is customized to the needs of the patients on that unit.  Some units thought that they could not use the model all the time, but Seton thought it was important to have the model consistently in place.  Units were able to create the correct-sized team for their needs.  The important thing is that the outcomes are met and the elements are evident, however they are configured for a particular department.

The experienced RN plays an important mentoring role for novice nurses.  Seton has developed tools for novice nurses to use when interacting with patients and other members of the care team, and they practice these interactions with their experienced nurse.  Having an experienced nurse on each team is also helpful for student nurses doing clinical rotations as they have one nurse they can go to with their questions.