Exploring Nurses' Perception of Dynamic Patient Events.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to describe nurses' perceptions of dynamic patient events (DPEs) impact on workflow and patient care. BACKGROUND: The process of determining optimal nurse staffing has challenged nurse leaders for decades. METHODS: This study took place on 3 inpatient units in 3 hospitals at a large academic medical center. A qualitative design that included focus groups composed of RNs with a minimum of 1-year experience was used. RESULTS: The most commonly identified DPEs were patient travel, code blues, rapid emergency response events, and requirement for an unplanned 1-on-1 sitter. The impact of DPEs influences the nurse's perception on job satisfaction, workflow, patient's safety/satisfaction, and delayed/missed care. CONCLUSION: It is incumbent upon nursing leaders to understand DPEs and anticipate how these events impact nursing workload, staffing, and care delivery.