Final answer:
To address staffing shortages, a nurse manager should assess the med-surg nurse's competencies, provide a thorough orientation, pair them with an experienced mentor, and foster open communication and trust within the team to enhance both patient safety and work environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with staffing shortages, a nurse manager when floating a med-surg nurse to a pediatric (peds) unit must take several factors into account to ensure patient safety and the effective functioning of the unit. Firstly, the nurse manager should assess the med-surg nurse's competency and comfort level with the pediatric population. Since children have different physiological and psychological needs compared to adults, it is crucial that any nurse working in peds is adequately prepared for these differences.
Secondly, the nurse manager should provide a thorough orientation to the peds unit for the med-surg nurse. This includes information on common pediatric conditions, medication dosages, and the use of equipment specific to children. The nurse manager should also pair the med-surg nurse with a more experienced pediatric nurse for mentoring and support. They can work alongside each other, allowing for real-time guidance and immediate assistance if needed.
To create a positive work environment, the nurse manager should also communicate openly with staff. As indicated in the scenario from a human services agency, the lack of open communication, respect for employee feedback, and trustworthiness can severely impact employee morale and job satisfaction. To avoid these issues, the nurse manager must demonstrate a commitment to supporting their nurses and fostering a collaborative and trusting work atmosphere.
In conclusion, patient safety, staff support, and work environment are key concerns when floating nurses to new units. By addressing these factors, the nurse manager can ensure the best outcomes for patients and staff.