The Nurse-Patient Assignment: Purposes and Decision Factors.

OBJECTIVE

Identify purposes and decision factors of the nurse-patient assignment process.

BACKGROUND

Nurse-patient assignments can positively impact patient, nurse, and environmental outcomes.

METHODS

This was an exploratory study involving interviews with 14 charge nurses from 11 different nursing units in 1 community hospital.

RESULTS

Charge nurses identified 14 purposes and 17 decision factors of the nurse-patient assignment process.

CONCLUSIONS

The nurse-patient assignment is a complex process driven by the patient, nurse, and environment. Further study is needed to identify factors linked to patient safety, nurse, and environmental outcomes.