CollaborationNurses collaborate by

Collaboration
Nurses collaborate by playing a central role in the
processing of information that is needed for successful
patient outcomes (e.g., knowledge about patients and
procedures). Interview findings reveal that collaboration
first involves nurses soliciting information from
others. For example, one physician observed that
professional nurses actively seek out information that
may be needed to improve patient outcomes. He said,
bThey [nurses] are inquisitive and ask intelligent
questions. They don’t just have the information, they’re
asking appropriate questions everyday.Q Soliciting information
requires nurses to function as critical sources
of data. Interviewees said that nurses show their
professionalism when they appropriately filter and
communicate nursing knowledge in an baccurate,Q
bconcise,Q and btimely Q manner.
Those interviewed also commented that it is a mark
of professionalism when nurses update other team
members with new data, filling in omissions when
necessary. For example, report is one opportunity
during the course of a shift when nurses update team
members with new information. A nurse provided a
story about a colleague’s communication during report
that she thought epitomized nurse professionalism: