Question

The nurse arrives at work and is told to report (float) to the intensive care unit (ICU) for the day because the ICU is understaffed and needs additional nurses to care for the clients. The nurse has never worked in the ICU. The nurse should take which action first?

a. Call the hospital lawyer
b. Refuse to float to the ICU
c. Call the nursing supervisor
d. Identify tasks that can be performed safely in the ICU

Answer 1

The nurse should first identify safe tasks they can perform in the ICU, focus on what's within their scope, and communicate any concerns for patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario where a nurse is asked to report to the ICU but has never worked in that unit before, the nurse should first identify tasks that can be performed safely in the ICU. This initial step is critical to providing patient care while ensuring the safety of both the nurse and the patients. The nurse should focus on procedures and tasks that are within their scope of practice and seek assistance and clarification for those tasks with which they are unfamiliar. Speaking up for patient safety is a priority, and Dr. Pronovost's checklist approach emphasizes the importance of adhering to procedures and communicating concerns if a step is skipped. It is essential that nurses feel empowered to voice concerns and refuse unsafe tasks, a principle that applies universally in healthcare environments.