Systems Theory‘’A system is a set of objects, with relationships between the objects and their attributes (Marquis & Huston, 2017, p. 49).” As Nurses, it is vital to know the systems in our organizations and their interdependency, to enable us to advocate for optimal care systems, identify system errors, and implement system solutions (Johnson, Miller, Sheldon, & Horowitz, 2008). A better understanding of operations within our organization will enable us to provide quality and safe patient care. Systems theory requires us to concentrate on the wholeness of the situation instead of blaming an individual when an adverse event occurs. There are two types of systems, an open system, and a closed system. An open system organization is most favorable as they involve employees in decision making, gives feedback, influence is from both internal and external interaction, open communication is encouraged, and utilizes available resources for increased productivity and satisfaction(Marquis & Huston, 2017).Open system organization is also considered a social system, divided into interrelated subsystemswhich do not operate in a vacuum (Meyer & O’Brien-Pallas, 2010). Open system subsystems include; inputs, throughput, output, systems as the cycle of events, and negative feedback, that interact together for positive outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to identify a problem within my Telemetry unit and address itusing systems theory terminology, describe it using the open-system perspective, find goals, and propose interventions to meet the desired organizational outcomes. Telemetry UnitInput
According to Meyer and O’Brien-Pallas (2010), An organization needs to sustain its input, for example, people, materials, to thrive. The telemetry unit consist of 28 beds, is usually staffed with six nurses of which one is a Charge nurse and two patient care technicians per each shift. We have two-floor managers and one departmental director who oversees the unit needs. Also, the accessory staff includes case managers, social worker, and respiratory therapist for the unit. When we are understaffed, we receive additional temporary or seasonal employees from external nurse staffing agencies. The medical staff includes primary care physicians, consultants, and on-call nurse practitioner or doctor. We act as throughput for the intensive care unit (ICU) byaccommodating more stabilized patients, to create more room in ICU for critically ill clients.
