The Issue of Floating Nurse Turnover: Impact on Quality of Care

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The Issue of Floating Nurse Turnover: Impact on Quality of Care

Introduction

Floating is a common practice in healthcare settings where nurses are temporarily assigned to work in units outside of their specialty or comfort zone. While floating can be beneficial for cross-training and staff flexibility, it also has negative consequences, particularly in terms of nurse turnover. This essay will explore the issue of floating nurse turnover, provide data to support its impact on the quality of care, propose a possible solution, discuss an appropriate leadership style, compare two leadership theories, and examine the nurse’s role within an interdisciplinary team to address this issue.

Impact on Quality of Care

Floating nurse turnover can significantly impact the quality of care provided in healthcare settings. When nurses are frequently moved to unfamiliar units, they may lack the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively care for patients. This can lead to errors, delays in treatment, and compromised patient safety. A study conducted by Kavanagh et al. (2017) found that increased floating was associated with higher rates of medication errors and patient falls. Another study by Geiger-Brown et al. (2019) revealed that floating was linked to increased nurse burnout and decreased job satisfaction, which can further contribute to diminished quality of care.

Proposed Solution: Flexible Staffing Model

One possible solution to address the issue of floating nurse turnover is the implementation of a flexible staffing model. This model involves cross-training nurses in multiple specialties, allowing them to work in different units when needed. By investing in comprehensive training programs and providing ongoing support, nurses can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in various settings. This approach not only reduces the need for frequent floating but also improves job satisfaction and retention rates among nurses.

Financial Considerations

Implementing a flexible staffing model requires financial considerations. Initially, there will be costs associated with developing and implementing comprehensive training programs. Additionally, ongoing training and support will be needed to ensure nurses maintain their competency in different units. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. By reducing nurse turnover and improving job satisfaction, healthcare organizations can save money on recruitment, orientation, and training of new staff. Moreover, enhanced patient outcomes resulting from decreased errors and improved continuity of care can prevent costly adverse events.

Appropriate Leadership Style: Transformational Leadership

To effectively address the issue of floating nurse turnover, a transformational leadership style is recommended. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their team members by creating a shared vision and empowering them to reach their full potential. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, transformational leaders can mitigate the negative effects of floating by promoting teamwork, professional growth, and job satisfaction among nurses.

Comparison of Leadership Theories

Two leadership theories that could be applied to address the issue of floating nurse turnover are transformational leadership and servant leadership. While both theories focus on empowering and supporting team members, they differ in their emphasis. Transformational leadership primarily focuses on inspiring and motivating individuals to achieve a shared vision. On the other hand, servant leadership places greater emphasis on serving the needs of others and promoting their growth and development. Both theories can be effective in addressing the issue; however, transformational leadership may be more suitable in this context due to its ability to inspire and motivate nurses who may feel demoralized by frequent floating.

Nurse’s Role within an Interdisciplinary Team

Within an interdisciplinary team, nurses play a crucial role in promoting patient quality and safety while fostering professionalism. Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and therapists, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care. They contribute their expertise in patient assessment, medication administration, and monitoring vital signs. By actively participating in team meetings, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients, nurses can help mitigate the negative impact of floating nurse turnover on patient outcomes. Furthermore, nurses demonstrate professionalism by maintaining ethical standards, engaging in lifelong learning, and upholding patient confidentiality.

Conclusion

Floating nurse turnover poses a significant challenge to healthcare organizations and has a direct impact on the quality of care provided. Implementing a flexible staffing model can help address this issue by reducing the need for frequent floating and improving nurse job satisfaction. Transformational leadership is an appropriate leadership style to inspire and motivate nurses in this context. By embracing their role within an interdisciplinary team, nurses can promote patient quality and safety while fostering professionalism. By addressing floating nurse turnover comprehensively, healthcare organizations can enhance patient outcomes while creating a supportive work environment for their nursing staff.