Decentralized Nursing ModelHybrid Nursing ModelHow does a building layout better support caregiver collaboration?  Not so long ago, there was a trend to decentralize  nursing units to place the caregiver closer to the patient. I can recall even a few years ago it was thought that the nurse station would become a relic of the past.  While not too many did away with the nurse station, they did take aim at providing a decentralized layout where several smaller nurse stations were in place.  While decentralization of the nurse work areas  had many benefits (such as spending more time with the patient for one) there has also been some debate on the impact it has had on care collaboration.  Those lesser experienced were missing out on the invaluable knowledge of casual interaction in the workplace. What to do? The latest thinking now suggests that having both nursing alcoves and a larger centralized hub will result in the best of both worlds.  Given the level of mutlidiscliplinary care that goes on within most nursing units, it has become neccessary to provide a larger shared work environment (ideally adjacent to the nurse station but behind closed doors or glass.) Allowing these private areas for staff also decreases noise the patient may overhearand protects patient privacy.  TAYLOR has most recently partnered with St. Joseph Health System and St. Jude Medical Center to provide such a care environment. This project will be featured as part of the Healthcare Design 09 in Orlando, Florida in November.  Please plan to attend the session titled  “Improving Care Delivery through Care Collaboration and Healing Environments.”  We look forward to seeing you there!