Working in a community-based organisation

Abstract

This chapter focuses on bureaucratic organisations, because most community nurses work in bureaucratic organisations. While required to adhere to organisational policy and procedures, each working day is unique and varied for a community nurse, with client and community needs rather than organisational functionality determining the quantity, type and timing of activities within the day. Team members' individual roles in achieving long- and short-term goals are divided according to expertise, services provided and client need. The chapter discusses the nature and workings of health organisations have been examined, focusing on the ability of community nurses to work in flexible ways from both an individual and team perspective. Community nurses can develop a thorough working knowledge of both the structure and function of organisations, developing and applying both broad and specific 'system skills' to ensure appropriate, timely and effective health service delivery to their clients and community.