Safe float nurses, safe patients: Problems and feasible solutions. A qualitative analysis and scoping review

Area of Science:

• Nursing practice
• Patient safety
• Healthcare management

Background:

• Float nurses often work in unfamiliar settings without adequate orientation or training.
• Floating is a common staffing strategy, necessitating support for float nurse integration.
• Ensuring patient safety is paramount when float nurses are deployed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-administered Integration Checklist for float nurses.
• To identify key aspects float nurses need to address before direct patient care.
• To support float nurse integration and enhance patient safety.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase approach combining brainstorming with nurses and experts.
• Literature review to identify barriers and solutions for float nurses.
• Development of a practical Integration Checklist based on identified needs.

Main Results:

• A practical Integration Checklist was developed using a reverse orientation approach.
• The checklist includes administrative, unit-specific, and patient care sections.
• Targeted questions ensure float nurses have critical information before patient care.

Conclusions:

• The Safety Integration Checklist can improve float nurse onboarding and confidence.
• It has the potential to optimize transition time and reduce staff stress.
• Further research is needed to validate its effectiveness in diverse clinical settings.