Nursing Elites

1. If a nurse accepts the role of charge nurse on the evening shift, what effect will unionization have on the nurse's new position?

• A. The nurse can file a grievance that will be arbitrated automatically by the Union
• B. Charge nurse is part of the management team, so Union participation would be a conflict of interest
• C. The nurse is not eligible for collective bargaining activities dealing with unfair labor practices
• D. The nurse can be represented by the union because charge nurses are not considered part of the management team

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choosing answer B is correct because charge nurses are typically considered part of the management team. As part of the management team, the charge nurse has decision-making responsibilities that align with the interests of the organization. Therefore, participating in a union would create a conflict of interest. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because union arbitration is not typically applicable to management positions. Option C is incorrect because charge nurses, as part of the management team, would not be eligible for collective bargaining activities like frontline staff. Option D is incorrect because charge nurses, due to their managerial responsibilities, are generally not represented by unions for collective bargaining purposes.

2. When caring for a patient who just received a terminal diagnosis and is tearful and frightened, what is the best action to demonstrate caring?

• A. Call the patient's spiritual leader to talk to the patient.
• B. Call the patient's family and ask them to come sit with the patient.
• C. Cry with the patient while sympathizing with their situation.
• D. Sit with the patient and listen to their fears.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In situations where a patient receives a terminal diagnosis and is emotionally distressed, it is essential to provide empathy and support. Sitting with the patient and actively listening to their fears allows the patient to express their emotions and concerns. This action demonstrates genuine care and compassion, showing the patient that their feelings are acknowledged and valued. It creates a therapeutic environment that fosters trust and emotional well-being, helping the patient cope with the distressing news. Calling the patient's spiritual leader (Choice A) may not address the immediate emotional needs of the patient. Calling the patient's family (Choice B) can be comforting but might not directly address the patient's fears. Crying with the patient (Choice C) can blur professional boundaries and may not be as beneficial as actively listening and providing support.

3. What skills are required for an LPN to successfully manage care?

• A. The ability to organize and prioritize tasks
• B. The ability to work weekends and off shifts
• C. The ability to develop a comprehensive care plan
• D. Close relationship with the supervising RN

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To successfully manage care as an LPN, one must possess the ability to organize and prioritize tasks. This skill is crucial in ensuring efficient and effective care delivery, as it helps in planning, coordinating, and addressing patient needs in a timely manner. While the other choices may also be important in certain contexts, the key skill required for care management is the ability to organize and prioritize tasks. Working weekends and off shifts (Choice B) may be part of the job requirement but is not a skill. Developing a comprehensive care plan (Choice C) is important but falls more under the domain of care planning rather than day-to-day care management. Having a close relationship with the supervising RN (Choice D) is beneficial for collaboration but is not a standalone skill required for managing care.

4. In a unionized hospital, nurses receive compensatory pay for working holidays based on the hours worked with no extra compensation. Despite management refusing to consider changes to the compensatory pay system suggested by nurses during the annual employee satisfaction survey, a trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations. What is this type of settlement known as?

• A. Collective bargaining
• B. Mediation
• C. Grievance
• D. Binding arbitration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mediation involves a neutral third party who assists in resolving disputes by providing non-legally binding recommendations. In this scenario, the trend member acted as a mediator by listening to both nurses and management and offering suggestions without the authority to enforce them as a legally binding decision. Collective bargaining refers to negotiations between labor unions and employers to determine terms of employment. Grievance is a formal complaint by an employee against an employer. Binding arbitration involves a neutral third party making a final and legally binding decision to resolve a dispute.

5. What is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system?

• A. Rising cost of providing healthcare to all citizens
• B. Lack of adequate education for healthcare professionals
• C. Inadequate number of hospital beds across the country
• D. Increasing cost of malpractice insurance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The increasing cost of providing healthcare to all citizens is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system. This rise in costs impacts various aspects of the system, including accessibility, quality of care, and financial sustainability. It affects healthcare providers, patients, insurance companies, and the government, making it a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although lack of education for healthcare professionals, inadequate number of hospital beds, and increasing malpractice insurance costs can be challenges within the healthcare system, they are not the primary source of stress that affects the system as a whole.

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