Nursing Elites

1. When looking at the issue surrounding absenteeism, an innovative approach would be:

• A. Rewarding those who do not use days.
• B. Substituting personal days.
• C. Termination.
• D. Disciplinary actions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Substituting personal days for sick days can be considered an innovative approach to addressing absenteeism as it allows for proper planning by the nurse manager. This approach promotes a proactive and flexible solution that encourages employees to manage their time off more effectively. Choice A, rewarding those who do not use days, may not address the root causes of absenteeism and could create a culture of presenteeism. Choices C and D, termination and disciplinary actions, are punitive measures that do not focus on preventive strategies or address the underlying reasons for absenteeism.

2. A new nurse is thinking about the ways she can demonstrate leadership in her position. Which of the following is true about leadership?

• A. Leadership is a component of nursing practice.
• B. Leadership requires a position of oversight.
• C. Leadership depends on the actions of others.
• D. Only experienced nurses can demonstrate leadership.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Leadership is a component of nursing practice.' Leadership is an essential aspect of nursing practice that involves inspiring, guiding, and influencing others to achieve common goals. Choice B is incorrect because leadership can be demonstrated at various levels within an organization, not just positions of oversight. Choice C is incorrect as leadership involves taking initiative and guiding others, rather than depending solely on the actions of others. Choice D is incorrect as leadership qualities can be demonstrated by individuals at all levels of experience, not exclusively by experienced nurses.

3. The problem of overrating staff performance is called ___________ .

• A. Recency error
• B. Absolute judgment
• C. Halo error
• D. Leniency error

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Leniency error.' Leniency error occurs when a manager tends to overrate staff performance, giving higher ratings than deserved. Choice A, 'Recency error,' refers to the tendency to focus only on recent behaviors or events when evaluating performance. Choice B, 'Absolute judgment,' is not directly related to overrating staff performance; it refers to making evaluations without considering the context or comparison points. Choice C, 'Halo error,' involves allowing one positive aspect of an individual to overshadow other factors in performance evaluation, which is different from overrating overall staff performance.

4. What is the best description of cultural competence in nursing?

• A. Ignoring cultural differences
• B. Adapting care to cultural needs
• C. Learning about different cultures
• D. Teaching cultural awareness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cultural competence in nursing means adapting care to meet the cultural needs of patients. This involves understanding and respecting the cultural differences of individuals to provide effective and appropriate healthcare. Choice A is incorrect because ignoring cultural differences goes against the essence of cultural competence. Choice C is not the best description as cultural competence is more than just learning about different cultures; it is about applying that knowledge in providing care. Choice D is not the best description as teaching cultural awareness is only a part of developing cultural competence, but it also requires practical application in care delivery.

5. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

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