In this 2-part article, we hope to join the reader in the broader discussion over ICU staffing. From the perspective of the clinician, we provide references to central concepts and landmark studies identifying organizational elements linked to patient outcomes. From the perspective of the unit management, we provide access to the literature on clinician interaction and organizational ethics. From the human resources (HR) literature, we provide relevant principles, standard practices, and concerns that should alert clinicians to seek HR and risk management consultation. In Part 1, we introduce many of the concepts relevant to staffing, hiring, and orienting teams toward performance. In Part 2, we explore management and business models as well as unit operations in relation to staff interests and concerns. The primer encourages managers and directors as well as clinicians and support staff to take a mindful stroll through each others’ concerns and published literature.
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