Superfluous variables are defined as variables that exist in all studies and can affect the measurement and relationship between study variables (Grove, Burns and Gray, 2013, p. 694). For the current study on hourly rounding, one of the extraneous variables identified is the headcount ratio. If the unit studied encounters a staffing problem (reduced staff), this would mean that the number of nurses per patient would be higher. To address and control this variable, the two selected medical-surgical units have a fixed nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:6, based on their policies and procedures. If a nurse calls in sick, the hospital personnel department has a pool of resource nurses who float to units that are understaffed. Additionally, a common practice is to offer a bonus/incentive to other nurses on their day off to come to work to fill staffing issues. Another possible extraneous variable to the current study is that some of the staff (nurse or patient care technician) could simply sign the log without actually adhering to hourly rounding standards (addressing the 4Ps).). ...