A pediatric oncology nurse is floated to an orthopedic trauma unit.What actions should the nurse manager of the orthopedic unit take to enable this floated nurse to give safe care?

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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 a basic 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,a nurse must learn the policies of the institution with regard to floating and must have an understanding of what is expected of a floating nurse.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 mealtime she would like is a nice gesture of thanks for the nurse,but it does not enable safe care.Unregulated care providers may help the nurse complete basic tasks such as hygiene and turning,but their help does not enable safe nursing care for which the nurse is ultimately responsible.

A Pediatric Oncology Nurse Is Floated to an Orthopedic Trauma