Abstract
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.