Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee?

• A. To oversee patient safety initiatives
• B. To develop staffing policies and procedures
• C. To coordinate patient care
• D. To manage nurse recruitment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee is to develop staffing policies and procedures to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. By establishing these guidelines, the committee aims to optimize patient care by ensuring appropriate staffing levels, which in turn can enhance patient safety and coordination of care. While overseeing patient safety initiatives and managing nurse recruitment are important aspects of healthcare management, the core function of a nurse staffing committee is to create and implement policies that govern the allocation and distribution of nursing staff to meet patient care needs effectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D, though relevant to healthcare, do not align with the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee as outlined in the question.

2. 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.

3. A Nurse Manager completes an interruption log and identifies two staff members who take an inordinate amount of time with drop-in issues that are not urgent. What are some methods to address this behavior in an attempt to better manage time? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Designate specific time slots for drop-in visits.
• B. Position the desk chair so it is not facing the hallway.
• C. Communicate with staff about using e-mail for non-urgent matters to improve time management.
• D. When staff members drop in, the manager should stand and remain standing during the conversation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Designating specific time slots for drop-in visits helps in managing interruptions effectively by consolidating them into designated periods. This approach allows the Nurse Manager to allocate focused time for addressing these issues without disrupting workflow. Option B, repositioning the desk chair, is not a standard strategy for managing time or interruptions. Option C, promoting the use of e-mail for non-urgent matters, may help in some cases but may not entirely address the behavior of extended drop-in visits. Option D, standing during conversations, may not be practical for longer discussions and does not provide a structured approach to address time management issues.

4. Which of the following is a leadership style that assumes individuals are motivated by internal forces and uses participation and majority rule to get work done?

• A. Autocratic leadership
• B. Laissez-faire leadership
• C. Democratic leadership
• D. Transactional leadership

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Democratic leadership is a leadership style that operates on the belief that individuals are motivated by internal forces. It involves encouraging participation and decision-making through majority rule to accomplish tasks. This leadership approach fosters collaboration, empowerment, and involvement of team members in decision-making processes. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is characterized by centralized control and little input from team members. Laissez-faire leadership (choice B) involves minimal interference and provides little guidance or direction. Transactional leadership (choice D) is based on exchanges between leaders and followers for desired outcomes, focusing on rewards and punishments rather than internal motivation and participation.

5. Which of the following best describes the concept of evidence-based management?

• A. Using personal experience to make managerial decisions
• B. Combining managerial expertise with the latest research evidence
• C. Using intuition and experience to guide management decisions
• D. Relying on peer-reviewed literature to inform management practices

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The concept of evidence-based management involves combining managerial expertise with the latest research evidence to make informed decisions. Choice A is incorrect because relying solely on personal experience may not align with the best available evidence. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes intuition over research evidence. Choice D is incorrect because evidence-based management involves not only peer-reviewed literature but also incorporating managerial expertise.

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