A pediatric oncology nurse floats to an orthopedic trauma unit.What actions should the nurse manager of the orthopedic unit take to enable safe care to be given by this nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nurses who float need to inform the supervisor of any lack of experience in caring for the type of patients on the nursing unit.They also need to request and receive an orientation to the unit.Supervisors are liable if they give a staff nurse an assignment that he or she cannot safely handle.Before accepting employment,learn the policies of the institution regarding floating,and have an understanding as to what is expected.A basic orientation is needed,whereas a complete orientation of the functioning of the entire unit would take a period of time that would exceed what the nurse has to spend on orientation.Allowing the nurse to choose which meal time she would like is a nice gesture of thanks for the nurse,but it does not enable safe care.
Having nursing assistive personnel may help the nurse complete basic tasks such as hygiene and turning,but it does not enable safe nursing care that she is ultimately responsible for.

A Pediatric Oncology Nurse Floats to an Orthopedic Trauma Unit