The role of physical design and informal communication

11. How do you think the physical layout (the kind of space available and how it is
organized and designed) affects teamwork among staff members?
12. I noticed that social interaction often takes place in the med room. Do you
agree? If so, can you tell me why you think that is?
13. Does the social interaction that takes place in the med room ever impact your
ability to concentrate or dispense meds?
14. 6N is known to be a very busy, noisy, sometimes hectic unit. Where do you go
if you need a quiet place to concentrate or focus on a task?
15. You mentioned to me that the small space between the nurses’ station and the
med room is a poorly designed area that is a source of frustration. Can you tell
me more about that?
16. What is it about 6N that makes it such a busy, noisy, hectic unit? Do you have
any ideas as to what causes such a difference between 6N and other units, say
4S?
17. If you could change aspects of the layout or physical design of your unit that
would improve your work experience (communication, efficiency, walking
time, etc), what would you change?
Verification and advice:
3. What is your role as the “orientor” of the GN? What does this mean? Do you
offer guidance or assist her more than other RNs? Is she required to report to
you about anything? Do you go through the orientation binders on a weekly
basis?
Stress:
5. During your regular shift, what did you find to be the most stressful? How did
you deal with those stressful situations?
a. Did the layout or design of the unit affect your stress level and your
ability to deal with those situations? If so, how?
b. Did the culture (social and professional relations among the people
working on the floor and how people generally interact and
communicate) of the unit affect your stress level and your ability to
deal with those situations? If so, how?
159