What delivery system is being used when a nurse manager assigns specific tasks to staff members during a staffing shortage?

The delivery system being utilized when a nurse manager assigns specific tasks to staff members during a staffing shortage is referred to as functional nursing. In this model, each team member is assigned a specific set of tasks that correspond to their skills and responsibilities, ensuring that care can be efficiently delivered even when resources are limited.

Functional nursing is characterized by a clear division of labor, where tasks are allocated based on the competencies of each staff member. This allows for a more streamlined approach to patient care in situations where there may not be enough staff to provide comprehensive care in a more integrated manner. The focus is on getting tasks completed efficiently, rather than on providing holistic care to each individual patient by a dedicated nurse, which is more characteristic of primary or team nursing models.

This system can be especially effective during times of staffing shortages, as it maximizes the use of available personnel by clearly delineating roles and responsibilities. It helps ensure that essential nursing tasks are still being managed, even if individual nurses are not able to provide all aspects of patient care.