Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. To form a core support group of nurses, where should the nurse organizer conduct meetings to gather initial information?

• A. Away from the work site with a group of managers to learn both sides of the situation
• B. In homes or local businesses with staff nurses
• C. At the facility to discuss nursing concerns
• D. At the work site with staff nurses who are respected leaders

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach is to conduct meetings in homes or local businesses with staff nurses. This location ensures confidentiality, prevents management influence, and allows the focus to be on gathering support for forming a core support group. Choice A is incorrect as involving managers may compromise the independence and authenticity of the group. Choice C is incorrect as conducting meetings at the facility may not provide a secure and unbiased environment for open discussions. Choice D is incorrect because holding meetings at the work site with respected leaders may lead to biased opinions and hinder open communication.

3. How can a student best prepare for a clinical experience?

• A. Practice and review procedures for performing skills
• B. Review class notes from the past week
• C. Familiarize oneself with the clinical facility
• D. Arrive at the clinical site 1 hour early

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills is crucial for a student preparing for a clinical experience. This preparation allows the student to build competence and confidence in executing required tasks. Reviewing class notes may be helpful for theoretical knowledge but may not adequately prepare the student for practical skills needed in a clinical setting. Familiarizing oneself with the clinical facility is beneficial but does not directly address skill readiness. Arriving early is important but does not substitute for the essential preparation of practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills.

4. When a nurse reads a peer-reviewed nursing journal article recommending a change in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, which action demonstrates critical thinking?

• A. Implementing the article's recommendations in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Presenting the journal article to the nurse manager and proposing a revision of the procedure
• C. Seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that corroborate the author's recommendation
• D. Disregarding the article and adhering to the facility's existing procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluating information from various sources. In this scenario, the nurse displays critical thinking by seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that support the author's recommendation. This action ensures that decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than relying solely on one source. By exploring other peer-reviewed articles, the nurse can validate the proposed change and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Choice A, implementing the article's recommendations, may not encompass a thorough evaluation of the information presented. Choice B, presenting the article to the nurse manager, is a valid step but does not directly involve critical analysis of the information. Choice D, disregarding the article, goes against the essence of critical thinking, which emphasizes the evaluation and consideration of various perspectives.

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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