Nursing Elites

1. During a staffing crisis, managers may need to use nurse extenders. These individuals are better known as:

• A. Float RNs.
• B. Unlicensed assistive personnel.
• C. LPNs.
• D. Agency nurses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a staffing crisis, managers may need to utilize unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) as nurse extenders. UAPs help free up nurses' time, enabling them to focus more on direct client care. Float RNs (Choice A) refer to registered nurses who work in various units as needed, not specifically as nurse extenders during crises. LPNs (Choice C) are licensed practical nurses, not typically used as nurse extenders. Agency nurses (Choice D) are temporary nurses hired from external agencies, not necessarily designated as nurse extenders.

2. As a new nurse on a pediatric unit, you must work nights and you have minimal time to spend with your children. Your colleague observes that you speak abruptly with parents and you become easily annoyed when the patients cry or when they are demanding. You realize you are becoming increasingly more distressed and that you have no time with your children and, as a result you: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Express negative comments to colleagues about patients and parents who annoy you.
• B. Ask the nurse manager to have a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts so that you can be with your children.
• C. Call off sick as frequently as you can without violating policies so that you have more time with your children.
• D. Minimize your communication with patients and parents so you do not offend them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking the nurse manager for a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts is a proactive and constructive approach to address the issue of having minimal time with your children. This solution aims to balance work and personal life effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Expressing negative comments about patients and parents (Choice A) is unprofessional and can create a negative work environment. Calling off sick frequently (Choice C) is irresponsible and violates work policies, leading to potential disciplinary actions. Minimizing communication with patients and parents (Choice D) is not a suitable approach as effective communication is essential in healthcare to provide optimal care and support to patients and their families.

3. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

4. What is the primary goal of patient advocacy in nursing?

• A. To ensure patient safety
• B. To provide emotional support
• C. To advocate for patient rights
• D. To provide financial assistance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of patient advocacy in nursing is to advocate for patient rights. While ensuring patient safety and providing emotional support are important aspects of nursing care, the core focus of patient advocacy is to uphold and protect the rights of patients. Providing financial assistance is not typically a primary goal of patient advocacy in nursing.

5. Which of the following is a positive benefit of conflict within an organization?

• A. Conflict leads to compromise of values and beliefs.
• B. Conflict leads to intergroup collaboration.
• C. Conflict helps people recognize differences and motivates them towards improved performance.
• D. Conflict always results in a win-win resolution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Conflict within an organization can have positive outcomes as it helps individuals recognize legitimate differences, fostering diversity of thought and perspectives. This recognition can serve as a motivator for individuals to enhance their performance in order to address and adapt to these differences effectively, ultimately leading to improved organizational outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because conflict should not lead to compromising core values and beliefs. Choice B is incorrect as conflict typically leads to competition rather than collaboration. Choice D is incorrect because conflict does not always result in a win-win resolution; in reality, conflicts often involve compromise and trade-offs rather than everyone winning.

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