The registered nurse is working as charge nurse on a busy high-acuity care unit.Unexpectedly,a coworker becomes ill and needs to leave.There is a period of time in which the unit is short staffed while the ill coworker's replacement travels in to work.What action by the charge nurse is indicated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The charge nurse should prioritize patient safety and care, and with the unexpected staffing shortage, contacting the house supervisor for a float nurse can provide necessary additional support for the unit. Making no changes until the replacement nurse arrives or assigning less acute patients to unlicensed assistive personnel may compromise patient care and safety, and assigning them to just watch monitors may not be sufficient for providing proper care.

The Registered Nurse Is Working as Charge Nurse on a Busy