Which staffing model is associated with implementing primary nursing?

Which staffing model is associated with implementing primary nursing?

• A. All RN staff
• B. Mixed RN/LPN staff
• C. Inclusion of nursing assistants for tasks
• D. No RN involvement

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is continuity and accountability in patient care through a single primary nurse. In primary nursing, one registered nurse owns the patient’s care plan—assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating—throughout the care episode. This requires staffing mainly with registered nurses so that the primary nurse can fully develop and coordinate the plan, maintain consistent oversight, and communicate directly with the patient and family. If tasks are handed off to LPNs or nursing assistants, or if there is no RN involvement, the single, comprehensive ownership central to primary nursing is weakened and the model loses its defining feature. Therefore, an all-RN staffing model best aligns with implementing primary nursing.

The concept being tested is continuity and accountability in patient care through a single primary nurse. In primary nursing, one registered nurse owns the patient’s care plan—assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating—throughout the care episode. This requires staffing mainly with registered nurses so that the primary nurse can fully develop and coordinate the plan, maintain consistent oversight, and communicate directly with the patient and family. If tasks are handed off to LPNs or nursing assistants, or if there is no RN involvement, the single, comprehensive ownership central to primary nursing is weakened and the model loses its defining feature. Therefore, an all-RN staffing model best aligns with implementing primary nursing.