Issues in Floating for Nurses
Summary of Main Concepts in the Articles
The main concepts of floating discussed in the articles include nurses agreeing that when floating, they should be assigned what is reflective of their experience and skills and, in some cases, ought not to be given some patient assignments but rather perform other tasks such as taking vital signs and medication administration for familiar drugs (Brown, 2017). When an employer fails to offer orientation to floating nurses, then the employer risks a lawsuit in the event of a patient injury (Nurses.com, 2013). Even when a nurse is highly experienced and competent and is asked to float in an unfamiliar unit, the uncertainty and anxiety may be communicated non-verbally to patients (O’Connor, 2017). Nurses with experience may find it stressful when floating when they do not really know the staff, routines, or physicians (ANA, 2017). Nurses may also have concerns regarding inadequate preparation and the high probability of mistakes occurring (Davies, n.d). Lastly, it is the responsibility of RNs to determine their own competence in performing nursing care needed on the floating unit and on the patient population. An RN who is not competent has the right to reject a floating assignment (Department of Consumer Affairs, n.d).
Steps to Ensure a Safe Transition
The first step is to remember the professional obligations that the RN has and be cautious about overworking in the floating unit. The RN will also need to face the unknown with a can-do attitude and professionalism, enter the floating unit with a positive attitude, and be friendly. The RN should not hesitate to ask questions when unsure about any aspect of care. The RN should review the assignment keenly and ensure they understand what is required of them. Reviewing will give the RN the opportunity to anticipate areas where help may be needed. Lastly, the RN should not accept an assignment that they are lacking in competency and, more so, if the assignment can place the patient at risk.
References
American Nurse Association. The American nurse. On the less familiar ground. Strategies aim to reduce random floating, and improve the experience. August 31, 2017. (Attached to discussion) (Links to an external site.)
Brown T. Nurses are talking about floating and rapid response duty. Medscape Sunday, September 17, 2017. http://blog.diversitynursing.com/blog/nurses-are-talking-about-floating-and-rapid-response-duty (Links to an external site.)
Davies K. Advance healthcare networks for nurses. Float assignments. Nursing advisor. http://nurseadvisormagazine.com/nurse-advisor/in-the-breakroom/float-nursing-to-reduce-healthcare-costs/ (Links to an external site.)
Nurse.com. Do registered nurses have to float to areas where they have not been trained or feel comfortable working? Is this legal? December 11, 2013. https://www.nurse.com/blog/2013/12/11/do-rns-have-to-float-to-units-where-they-have-not-been-trained-or-feel-comfortable-working-is-this-legal/ (Links to an external site.)
O’Connor K, Dugan LJ. Addressing floating and patient safety. RN Nursing February 2017-Vol 47-Issue2-page 57-58 doi:10.1097/01. NURSE.0000511820.95903-78. https://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2017/02000/Addressing_floating_and_patient_safety.15.aspx#:~:text=%20Addressing%20floating%20and%20patient%20safety%20%201,nurses%20may%20perceive%20floating%20negatively%2C%20it%27s…%20More%20 (Links to an external site.)
RN responsibility when floating to a new patient care unit or assigned to a new population. https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-21.pdf (Links to an external site.)
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Articles attached within discussion directions… attachment