Nursing Elites

1. The nurse manager is responsible for implementing a new electronic health record (EHR) system. What is the first step in this process?

• A. Train all staff on the new system
• B. Identify the project team
• C. Develop a training program
• D. Conduct a needs assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in implementing a new electronic health record (EHR) system is to identify the project team. This team will be crucial in overseeing the entire implementation process, including tasks like developing a training program (Choice C) and conducting a needs assessment (Choice D). Training all staff on the new system (Choice A) is an important step but typically occurs after the project team has been identified to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high-performing healthcare team?

• A. Effective communication
• B. Shared leadership
• C. Collaborative decision making
• D. Hierarchical structure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Collaborative decision making is a key characteristic of a high-performing healthcare team because it involves team members working together to make decisions that lead to the best outcomes for patients. Effective communication is important in any team, but collaborative decision making goes beyond communication by involving team members in the decision-making process. Shared leadership is also crucial for a high-performing team, as it promotes equality and empowerment among team members. On the other hand, a hierarchical structure can hinder effective communication and teamwork by creating barriers between team members and limiting input from all team members, which is counterproductive to achieving optimal healthcare outcomes.

5. What is the main focus of a clinical governance framework?

• A. Financial performance
• B. Regulatory compliance
• C. Patient care quality
• D. Staff satisfaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main focus of a clinical governance framework is patient care quality. This framework is designed to ensure that patient care is safe, effective, and patient-centered. Choice A, financial performance, is not the main focus of a clinical governance framework, although financial aspects may be considered. Choice B, regulatory compliance, is important but not the primary focus of a clinical governance framework. Choice D, staff satisfaction, is also important but is not the main focus of a clinical governance framework, which primarily centers around patient care quality.

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