Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. After discussing alternatives to dressing change procedures to minimize discomfort, the nursing staff accepted a new procedure. This is an example of which stage of Havelock's model of change?

• A. Moving
• B. Self-renewal
• C. Refreezing
• D. Unfreezing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Moving. In the moving stage of Havelock's model of change, the focus is on selecting a solution or alternative. In this scenario, the nursing staff accepting a new procedure after discussing alternatives aligns with the moving stage, where the decision to adopt a change is made. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Self-renewal refers to personal growth, refreezing involves stabilizing the change, and unfreezing is related to preparing for change, none of which directly correspond to the situation described in the question.

3. What are the advantages of using internal pools of nurses for staffing purposes?

• A. Familiarity with the hospital & Lower cost
• B. Centralization
• C. Staffing mix
• D. Staff satisfaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Familiarity with the hospital & Lower cost. Internal float pools of nurses offer advantages such as being familiar with the hospital environment and staff, which can enhance communication and collaboration. Additionally, utilizing internal nurses is more cost-effective compared to hiring agency nurses, contributing to financial savings for the healthcare facility. Choice B, Centralization, is not a direct advantage of using internal pools of nurses. Choice C, Staffing mix, is a broader concept that does not specifically address the advantages of internal nurse pools. Choice D, Staff satisfaction, is important but not directly related to the specific advantages of utilizing internal nurse pools for staffing purposes.

4. Characteristics that an interviewer will be most interested in when selecting a new staff will be: (EXCEPT)

• A. Your confidence in your clinical skills.
• B. How many hours of overtime you will work.
• C. Your ability to work as a team member.
• D. Your clinical competence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When selecting new staff, interviewers are primarily interested in candidates' confidence in clinical skills, ability to work as a team member, and clinical competence. They are not concerned with how many hours of overtime a candidate is willing to work. Overtime hours may be important at times, but it is not a characteristic that an interviewer would prioritize when selecting new staff. Choices A, C, and D are essential qualities that interviewers look for in potential staff as they contribute to providing professional nursing care.

5. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution’s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Incompetence jeopardizes patient safety. Therefore, the formal process for handling these practices should be followed.

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