Nursing Elites

1. If a nurse accepts the role of charge nurse on the evening shift, what effect will unionization have on the nurse's new position?

• A. The nurse can file a grievance that will be arbitrated automatically by the Union
• B. Charge nurse is part of the management team, so Union participation would be a conflict of interest
• C. The nurse is not eligible for collective bargaining activities dealing with unfair labor practices
• D. The nurse can be represented by the union because charge nurses are not considered part of the management team

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choosing answer B is correct because charge nurses are typically considered part of the management team. As part of the management team, the charge nurse has decision-making responsibilities that align with the interests of the organization. Therefore, participating in a union would create a conflict of interest. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because union arbitration is not typically applicable to management positions. Option C is incorrect because charge nurses, as part of the management team, would not be eligible for collective bargaining activities like frontline staff. Option D is incorrect because charge nurses, due to their managerial responsibilities, are generally not represented by unions for collective bargaining purposes.

2. What is the primary focus of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?

• A. Reducing the cost of healthcare
• B. Providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants
• C. Ensuring access to healthcare for all Americans
• D. Eliminating the need for health insurance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ensuring access to healthcare for all Americans. The primary focus of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is to expand coverage, improve quality of care, and make healthcare more affordable and accessible to a greater number of people in the United States. Choice A is incorrect because while the act aims to make healthcare more affordable, its primary focus is on access. Choice B is incorrect as the act is not specifically designed to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants. Choice D is incorrect as the act does not aim to eliminate the need for health insurance but rather improve the availability and affordability of insurance coverage.

3. In a unionized hospital, nurses receive compensatory pay for working holidays based on the hours worked with no extra compensation. Despite management refusing to consider changes to the compensatory pay system suggested by nurses during the annual employee satisfaction survey, a trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations. What is this type of settlement known as?

• A. Collective bargaining
• B. Mediation
• C. Grievance
• D. Binding arbitration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mediation involves a neutral third party who assists in resolving disputes by providing non-legally binding recommendations. In this scenario, the trend member acted as a mediator by listening to both nurses and management and offering suggestions without the authority to enforce them as a legally binding decision. Collective bargaining refers to negotiations between labor unions and employers to determine terms of employment. Grievance is a formal complaint by an employee against an employer. Binding arbitration involves a neutral third party making a final and legally binding decision to resolve a dispute.

4. Why is it important for healthcare professionals to have an understanding of healthcare issues in the United States?

• A. To ensure proper documentation of patient insurance information.
• B. Reimbursement policies often dictate the services that can be offered to the public.
• C. The quality of care provided is influenced by the patient's insurance coverage.
• D. Proficiency in healthcare issues is essential for graduating as a practical nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Understanding healthcare issues in the United States is crucial for healthcare professionals because reimbursement policies play a significant role in determining the services that can be provided to patients. By comprehending these issues, healthcare professionals can navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, ensure appropriate services are offered, and optimize patient care outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because understanding healthcare issues goes beyond just documentation of patient insurance information. Choice C is incorrect as the quality of care should not be solely dependent on a patient's insurance coverage. Choice D is incorrect because while proficiency in healthcare issues is important for practical nurses, it is not a requirement solely for graduating.

5. How can a student best prepare for a clinical experience?

• A. Practice and review procedures for performing skills
• B. Review class notes from the past week
• C. Familiarize oneself with the clinical facility
• D. Arrive at the clinical site 1 hour early

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills is crucial for a student preparing for a clinical experience. This preparation allows the student to build competence and confidence in executing required tasks. Reviewing class notes may be helpful for theoretical knowledge but may not adequately prepare the student for practical skills needed in a clinical setting. Familiarizing oneself with the clinical facility is beneficial but does not directly address skill readiness. Arriving early is important but does not substitute for the essential preparation of practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills.

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