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. What is the difference between mediation and binding arbitration based on the statement provided?

• A. Mediation is sanctioned by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to formally discuss concerns with management and labor
• B. Mediation uses a trained person to facilitate negotiations without making a final decision
• C. Binding arbitration is a formal process where an arbitrator's decision is final and must be adhered to by both parties
• D. Binding arbitration requires both labor and management to engage in discussions to find the least harmful resolution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The key difference between mediation and binding arbitration lies in the finality of the decision. In binding arbitration, the arbitrator's decision is ultimate, and both parties are obligated to comply with it. This differs from mediation, where a neutral third party facilitates negotiations but does not make a final decision. Choice A is incorrect as mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB; it can be conducted independently. Choice B is incorrect because mediation does not involve a final decision-maker but focuses on facilitating discussions. Choice D is incorrect as binding arbitration does not aim to find the least harmful resolution but rather a final and binding decision by the arbitrator.

3. What theme of critical thinking is demonstrated by the belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process?

• A. Critical thinking is a productive and positive activity.
• B. Critical thinking is a process, not an outcome.
• C. Manifestations of critical thinking vary, depending on the context in which they occur.
• D. Critical thinking is triggered by both positive and negative events.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process aligns with the theme that critical thinking is a process, not an outcome. This suggests that critical thinking involves a continuous, dynamic process of evaluating information, making connections, and adapting one's thinking over time, rather than being a fixed end result. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the continuous nature of critical thinking or its ongoing development, making them incorrect.

4. In an underdeveloped country, the nurse observes the natives lighting ritual fires and pounding on primitive drums around the sick person to promote recovery. The nurse interprets this behavior as indicating the natives believe illness results from which items?

• A. Pathogens and genetics
• B. Evil spirits
• C. Tides and planets
• D. Plants and animals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The behavior of lighting fires and pounding on drums to promote recovery suggests a belief in evil spirits causing illness. In many cultures, rituals like these are performed to ward off evil spirits or negative energies that are thought to be the cause of sickness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the described behavior aligns more with spiritual or supernatural beliefs rather than scientific explanations related to pathogens, genetics, tides, planets, plants, or animals.

5. How does the high degree of professionalism among nurses impact their willingness to engage in organized strikes?

• A. Nurses often find union activities such as strikes in conflict with the need to serve and protect clients and their profession
• B. Nurses use evidence-based studies that reflect both management and labor views to support participation in unionization
• C. Nurses who strike can be legally punished for abandonment and negligence considered to be professional misconduct
• D. Nurses most often turn to collective bargaining strategies such as strikes to emphasize client's safety initiatives

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The high level of professionalism among nurses, as recognized in Gallup polls, often leads them to perceive organized strikes as conflicting with their duty to care for patients and uphold their professional standards. This conflict of interest can cause nurses to be hesitant or reluctant to participate in strikes. Choice B is incorrect because nurses' decision to engage in strikes is more influenced by professional values and patient care rather than evidence-based studies on management and labor views. Choice C is incorrect because while legal consequences may be a concern, the primary factor influencing nurses' decision on strikes is their professional commitment to patient care. Choice D is incorrect as nurses' focus during strikes is more on advocating for patient safety rather than emphasizing safety initiatives.

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