Clinical Judgment is the process of integrating evidence-based practice, critical-thought, the Nursing Process, knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as application of theory to practice in order to promote safe, quality care to clients in all settings. You are the Charge Nurse in a large Urban Emergency Department (ED). You nursing staff include: The following patients are in the ED, which patient will you give to each of the nurses and why?

Clinical judgment is a crucial aspect of nursing practice that involves synthesizing various sources of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to promote safe and quality care for clients in all healthcare settings. As the Charge Nurse in a large Urban Emergency Department (ED), effective allocation of patient assignments to nursing staff is paramount to ensure optimal patient outcomes and maximize the efficiency of the nursing team.

In this scenario, where several patients are in the ED, the work allocation should be based on the acuity of each patient’s condition, the expertise of the nursing staff, and the availability of resources. Let’s now analyze each patient and assign them to the appropriate nurse based on these factors:

1. Patient A:
Patient A is a 40-year-old female presenting with chest pain, shortness of breath, and recent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Given the potential cardiac complications and the need for close monitoring, this patient requires nursing expertise in cardiovascular care. Nurse A, who has extensive experience in cardiac nursing and is knowledgeable about postoperative care, would be the most suitable nurse to provide care to Patient A. Assigning Nurse A to this patient would ensure that the patient receives specialized attention and appropriate intervention, leading to improved patient outcomes.

2. Patient B:
Patient B is a 32-year-old male with a fractured right femur, sustained from a motor vehicle accident. This patient requires immediate attention and adequate pain management to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications. Nurse B, who has expertise in orthopedic care, should be assigned to Patient B. Nurse B’s knowledge and skills in managing fractures, applying splints, and administering pain medications would be instrumental in promoting effective pain control and facilitating the appropriate orthopedic interventions.

3. Patient C:
Patient C is an 85-year-old female presenting with altered mental status, confusion, and a history of dementia. This patient requires careful assessment, close monitoring, and interventions to ensure her safety and prevent falls or other adverse events. Nurse C, who has experience in geriatric nursing and understanding the complexities of managing patients with cognitive impairments, would be the most appropriate nurse to care for Patient C. Nurse C’s expertise in this area would allow for appropriate cognitive assessments, implementation of appropriate environmental safety measures, and effective collaboration with the interprofessional team to manage the patient’s specific needs.

4. Patient D:
Patient D is a 25-year-old male with a minor laceration on his arm that requires suturing. This patient’s condition is relatively stable and does not require any specialized interventions. Nurse D, as a generalist nurse with a varied skillset, can competently care for this patient. Assigning Nurse D to Patient D would ensure efficient use of nursing resources while still providing safe and quality care.

In summary, allocating patient assignments in the ED entails considering the acuity of the patients, the expertise of the nursing staff, and the available resources. Assigning each patient to a nurse with the appropriate knowledge and skills ensures that the patients receive optimal care and enhances the overall efficiency of the nursing team. By matching the specific needs of each patient with the expertise of the nursing staff, clinical judgment is effectively applied to promote safe and quality care in the ED.