Nursing Elites

1. After her evaluation, a staff nurse exclaims: 'I'm not sure if my manager knows much about my performance, really. He only had three specific examples to give me, two good performance examples and one to work on, and they all happened in the last month. I don't feel like he can see the whole picture.' What kind of performance appraisal rating does this statement exemplify?

• A. Recency error
• B. Leniency error
• C. Halo error
• D. Absolute judgment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement exemplifies a recency error. Recency error occurs when a manager assesses an employee's performance primarily based on recent events, rather than considering the entire evaluation period. In this case, the staff nurse feels that her manager focused only on recent examples, leading to an incomplete assessment of her overall performance. Choice B, Leniency error, refers to a rater consistently giving high ratings to all employees regardless of performance, which is not evident in this scenario. Choice C, Halo error, involves allowing one positive attribute of an individual to overshadow other characteristics during appraisal, which is not the case here. Absolute judgment, Choice D, is when a rater evaluates an employee without reference to any specific criteria, which is not reflected in the staff nurse's feedback.

2. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse educator?

• A. Provide direct patient care
• B. Conduct research on nursing practices
• C. Develop and implement educational programs for nursing staff
• D. Supervise nursing staff

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The role of a nurse educator primarily involves developing and implementing educational programs for nursing staff. While providing direct patient care and supervising nursing staff are essential functions in healthcare, these tasks are not the primary responsibilities of a nurse educator. Conducting research on nursing practices is typically associated with the role of a nurse researcher, not a nurse educator.

3. Upon noticing a visitor who is loud and active and carrying a gun on the unit where you are in charge, what should you do immediately?

• A. Ask the visitor to leave.
• B. Talk quietly to calm the visitor.
• C. Ask the visitor for the gun.
• D. Notify security with the details of the situation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a situation where a visitor arrives on the unit with a gun, it is essential to prioritize the safety of patients and staff. Immediately notifying security with all the relevant details is the correct course of action. Asking the visitor to leave or engaging them could escalate the situation and put everyone at risk. Similarly, requesting the gun from the visitor directly is not advisable as it could lead to a dangerous confrontation. By alerting security promptly, you enable trained professionals to handle the situation safely and effectively, minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

4. The nurse manager is talking with the CNA about her time management. Which of the following is an example of a nurse manager as a coach?

• A. Your timely response to patients' call lights is exemplary.
• B. Your appearance is seldom professional.
• C. You must get the vital signs taken on time or you will be disciplined.
• D. You never report AM blood sugar levels on time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Your timely response to patients' call lights is exemplary.' This choice reflects a positive reinforcement approach, providing feedback that praises and encourages good behavior. A coach in a professional setting aims to motivate, guide, and support staff rather than focusing on negative aspects or threats of discipline. Effective coaching involves recognizing and acknowledging employees' strengths and achievements to inspire continuous improvement and development. Choices B, C, and D are not examples of coaching as they either focus on criticism regarding appearance, use threatening language, or highlight a negative behavior without offering guidance or support.

5. A nurse manager needs to resolve a conflict between the staff nurses and the physical therapy department. What type of power might the manager utilize? (EXCEPT)

• A. Connection and referent power
• B. Reward and punishment power
• C. Legitimate power
• D. Information power

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse manager may utilize various types of power to resolve the conflict between the staff nurses and the physical therapy department. Referent power and connection power are based on respect/admiration and influential links, respectively. Information power is about access to valuable data. Reward power involves offering inducements for cooperation, while punishment power is about imposing penalties for non-compliance. Legitimate power, however, is derived from the manager's authority associated with their job and rank. Since the question asks for the type of power the manager might utilize 'EXCEPT,' legitimate power, being a key type of power often used in managerial roles, is the correct answer. It's important for the nurse manager to understand the dynamics of power and utilize the appropriate types to effectively address interdepartmental conflicts.

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