A qualitative study that includes focus group interviews with 6 staff nurse volunteers who recently floated to other units is the best approach to use in answering this type of question. A qualitative study is a type of research that explores and describes the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of human phenomena. A qualitative study does not aim to test hypotheses or measure variables, but rather to generate rich and in- depth data that can be analyzed using various methods, such as thematic analysis, content analysis, or grounded theory. A qualitative study often uses purposive or convenience sampling, which means that the researcher selects participants who can provide relevant and diverse information about the phenomenon of interest. A qualitative study also often uses an iterative or emergent design, which means that the researcher adjusts the research questions, methods, and sampling strategies as the data collection and analysis progress. A focus group interview is a type of qualitative data collection method that involves a moderated discussion among a small group of participants (usually 6–10) who share a common interest or experience. A focus group interview can elicit the participants' opinions, attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and perceptions about a topic or issue. A focus group interview can also capture the group dynamics and interactions among the participants, as well as generate new ideas or solutions. In this case, a qualitative study that includes focus group interviews with 6 staff nurse volunteers who recently floated to other units would be the best approach to use in answering the question of what is the fairest method for floating the unit's staff nurses to the telemetry units during periods of low ICU client census. This approach would allow the nurse-manager to understand the staff nurses' experiences and preferences regarding floating, as well as to identify the factors and challenges that affect their satisfaction and performance. This approach would also enable the nurse-manager to involve the staff nurses in the decision-making process and to develop a float policy that is fair, feasible, and acceptable to them.

The other options are not correct because:

A) An experimental study that compares absenteeism rates with random versus non-random staff assignment methods is not the best approach to use in answering this type of question. An experimental study is a type of research that examines the effects of an intervention or treatment on an outcome variable using a randomized controlled trial design. The researcher manipulates the independent variable (the intervention or treatment) and controls for other variables

No explanation