Nursing Elites

1. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

2. Which of the following factors contributes to conflicts in professional nursing today?

• A. Some nurses who had planned to retire but find themselves forced to continue working because of the current economic situation
• B. Balancing state practice acts, codes of ethics, and standards of practice
• C. Advances in technology
• D. Multiple generations in the workforce

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The presence of multiple generations in the nursing workforce today with diverse viewpoints and work styles can lead to conflicts. This diversity in perspectives and approaches may result in disagreements on how tasks should be done or how patient care should be managed. Option A refers to economic factors impacting individual nurses rather than conflicts within the profession. Option B is related to compliance and ethical considerations, not conflicts. Option C, advances in technology, may influence nursing practices but is not directly linked to conflicts among professionals.

3. When planning to run for the local school board, which of the following sources of power would a nurse find important?

• A. Connection
• B. Reward
• C. Charisma
• D. Expertise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a nurse is planning to run for the local school board, the important source of power would be 'Connection.' In politics, building relationships and forming connections are crucial for gaining support, forming coalitions, and accessing valuable information. Being charismatic is not a necessary attribute for utilizing power effectively in this context. While expertise is valuable, especially in education-related matters, it is not specified as a primary source of power for a political candidate. Rewards are not typically within the purview of a candidate running for a position such as the local school board.

4. Which of the following are essential components of strategic planning?

• A. Values
• B. Vision & Mission statements
• C. Reengineering
• D. A & B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In strategic planning, values and vision and mission statements play crucial roles. Values guide the organization's culture and decision-making processes, while vision and mission statements outline its long-term goals and purpose. Reengineering, on the other hand, is a separate process focused on restructuring business processes for improved performance efficiency. Therefore, the correct components of strategic planning are values and vision and mission statements, making option D the correct answer. Choices A and B are correct because they are directly related to setting the direction and purpose of the organization in a strategic planning process, while choice C, reengineering, is not typically considered a core element of strategic planning.

5. One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?

• A. New technology
• B. Outsourcing of services
• C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
• D. Ability to pay for health care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Ability to pay for health care.' One of the primary factors influencing health care policy changes is the financial aspect, as the ability to afford healthcare services affects access, quality, and equity. While new technology, outsourcing of services, and the emerging role of nurse practitioners may also impact health care policies, the fundamental driver often revolves around individuals' and societies' financial capacity to pay for healthcare.

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