A nurse from the postpartum unit is floated to a medical-surgical unit. Which assignment is most appropriate?

A floated nurse should receive clients whose needs match the nurse's competence and require stable, predictable care when possible. A stable postoperative discharge client is the safest option. Fresh tracheostomy care, vasoactive infusion titration, and acute cardiac changes require specialized or high-acuity competence.

In-depth explanation

<span class='merci-scenario-label'>Clinical Judgment</span><br>Safe assignment matches client acuity with nurse competence.<br><br><span class='merci-scenario-label'>Memory Tip</span><br>Float nurse: stable and predictable.

Clinical scenario

<span class='merci-scenario-label'>Clinical Practice Guide</span><br>Assignment decisions consider acuity, stability, required skills, supervision, and staff competence.<br><br><span class='merci-scenario-label'>Caution</span><br>Floating does not mean assigning beyond safe competence.

Key concepts

• Acuity — The seriousness and complexity of a client's care needs.
• Competence — The ability to perform a task safely based on knowledge, skill, and experience.
• Assignment — Distribution of client care responsibilities to nursing staff.