The role of physical design and informal communication

3.6 Overall Summary of Findings
• Throughout orientation the GN engaged in a high percentage of social
interaction – almost as high as “discussing patient care” – although the
frequency did decrease by week nine. Most of these social interactions
occurred in the med room because of the privacy afforded by it.
• Despite the generally positive perception of the unit as a supportive,
collaborative environment, only 2% of interactions occurred with doctors.
• The importance of sightlines for teamwork was manifested more than once
throughout the study. The presence of solid walls on both sides of the unit
created visual and physical separation that negatively influenced a feeling of
cohesion among staff.
• Biological stress fluctuated and did not decrease over the course of orientation,
even though competency increased steadily over time.
• The graduate nurse reported learning as much from informally being asked
questions by nursing assistants as she did from receiving formal feedback
given by the Orientor.
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