Nurses’ Perceptions of the Buddy Staffing Model: Implications for Nurse Leaders

Abstract

During the past year, nurse leaders faced unprecedented staffing challenges due to the surge of patients from the pandemic resulting in the implementation of various staffing models. This quality improvement project examines the nurses’ perceptions of the benefits of a buddy staffing model (BSM). The potential benefits of the BSM include promoting efficiency, maintaining patient safety, cultivating teamwork, providing fundamental nursing care, and feeling supported by leadership. Understanding the nurses' perceptions of buddy models provides critical information for nurse leaders as we move forward with future surges and face the implications of the “Great Resignation, 2021.”