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. How can the nurse best advocate for a patient who will be discharged from acute care to home?

• A. Arranging for Meals on Wheels to provide in-home meals
• B. Administering pain medication prior to discharge
• C. Teaching the patient how to take medications at home
• D. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arranging for in-home support services like Meals on Wheels is crucial for ensuring the patient receives proper nutrition and support after discharge. This goes beyond simply administering medications or providing transportation. By arranging for in-home meals, the nurse addresses the patient's nutritional needs, promotes their overall well-being, and supports their ongoing care requirements. Administering pain medication or teaching medication management, while important, do not directly address the patient's need for nutritional support. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car is focused on physical transportation and does not encompass the holistic care approach needed for a successful transition to home care.

3. How does a student primarily gain personal knowing?

• A. Arriving at every class on time
• B. Never missing a clinical experience
• C. Taking religious classes
• D. Self-evaluation and conscious examination

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Personal knowing in any field, especially in nursing, is primarily acquired through self-evaluation and conscious examination. This process involves reflecting on personal values, beliefs, experiences, and emotions to gain insight into oneself. By engaging in self-evaluation and conscious examination, students can enhance their self-awareness and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. This self-awareness is crucial for nurses as it enables them to provide holistic and patient-centered care. Choices A, B, and C do not directly contribute to personal knowing in the context of nursing. Being punctual, attending all classes, or participating in clinical experiences are important for professional development but do not necessarily lead to the deep self-reflection required for personal knowing.

4. Why is critical thinking necessary for identifying and understanding paradigms that exist in nursing practice?

• A. Critical thinking allows for the nurse to make superficial decisions.
• B. Critical thinking allows the nurse to thoroughly examine situations and issues.
• C. Critical thinking provides the nurse with quick answers.
• D. Critical thinking allows the nurse to accept information without needing to check its validity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Critical thinking is essential for nurses to identify and understand paradigms in nursing practice because it enables them to thoroughly examine complex situations and issues. By critically analyzing information and considering various perspectives, nurses can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying paradigms that shape nursing practice. This thorough examination helps nurses make informed decisions and provide high-quality care to patients. Choice A is incorrect because critical thinking involves deeper analysis, not superficial decisions. Choice C is incorrect because critical thinking does not provide quick answers; it involves a systematic and thoughtful approach. Choice D is incorrect because critical thinking encourages nurses to question information and verify its validity rather than accepting it blindly.

5. 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.

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