Addressing the Impact of Nurse Floating on Patient Safety at King Abdullah Medical Complex: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: Floating nurses to unfamiliar units may influence patient safety, workload management, job satisfaction, and professional performance. Understanding nurses’ perceptions regarding floating is essential to improving staffing policies and ensuring safe patient care. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses’ perceptions of inter-unit floating and its impact on patient safety at King Abdullah Medical Complex (KAMCJ), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in inpatient departments at KAMCJ. A convenience sample of 244 nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured, online questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, perceptions of floating, confidence in floated units, workload preferences, and professional development perspectives. Data were analyzed using R statistical software. Results: Most participants had 1–3 years of experience at KAMCJ (73.4%). More than half of nurses (51.7%) disagreed with being floated to other units, while only 16.1% agreed. Approximately 44.3% reported feeling confident working in floated units, whereas 27.9% were uncertain and 27.9% lacked confidence. Most nurses (69.7%) believed floating could enhance their professional experience and career development. Significant differences were found between nurses’ current units and their perceptions toward floating (χ² = 23.14, p = 0.020). A significant positive correlation was observed between floating and the preferred number of patients handled (r = 0.218, p < 0.001), while no significant correlation was identified between floating and years of experience (r = −0.063, p = 0.326). Qualitative responses highlighted concerns related to stress, burnout, staffing shortages, workload, and patient safety, while some nurses acknowledged the educational and professional benefits of floating. Conclusion: Nurse floating remains a challenging practice that may affect nurses’ confidence, perceptions of workload, and patient safety. Healthcare administrators should implement structured orientation programs, fair workload distribution, and supportive staffing strategies to enhance patient safety and improve nurses’ experiences with floating practices.