Final answer:
An ED nurse covering a shift on a pediatric floor should be assigned based on their skills and experience, favoring areas where their emergency care expertise is beneficial and where they have experience with pediatric care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an Emergency Department (ED) nurse is asked to cover a shift on a pediatric floor, they should be assigned based on their experience, skills, and the level of care that the patients on the floor require. An ED nurse typically has broad skills in emergency care, which can be an asset on a pediatric floor, provided they are also comfortable and experienced with pediatric patients.
The nurse may potentially be assigned to patients that align with their competencies, such as those in Medical Surgical environments or areas where critical thinking and quick decision-making are required. This is because ED nurses, similar to ICU Staff Nurse roles, are trained to act quickly and efficiently under pressure, making such an individual a mediate contributor to the pediatric team.