Summarize the concepts of floating that were addressed in the attached articles.

As a nurse on a medical-surgical unit, being floated to an unfamiliar unit can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. However, it is important to remember that safe patient care is always the priority. Here are some priority actions to take when floating to an unfamiliar unit:

1. Make sure you have the necessary knowledge, judgment, skills, and ability to provide the required patient care. It is important to not accept any patient care assignment that you are not competent to deliver. If you are uncomfortable with the assignment, speak to the charge nurse of the unit and discuss the reason for your refusal. Let them know that you are there to help, but they should give you patient assignments that you are competent and comfortable to handle.
2. Communicate effectively with the staff on the unit you are floating to. Introduce yourself and ask questions about the unit’s policies and procedures