Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following may be considered an absenteeism management strategy?

• A. Holding regular meetings to address absenteeism
• B. Limiting career growth opportunities
• C. Reducing job stress
• D. Neglecting the issue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Reducing job stress is an effective absenteeism management strategy because it creates a positive work environment, potentially decreasing the number of sick days taken by employees. Holding regular meetings to address absenteeism is not a strategy to reduce absenteeism but may add to the stress levels of employees. Limiting career growth opportunities is not a recommended strategy and can lead to employee dissatisfaction and higher absenteeism rates. Neglecting the issue of absenteeism by ignoring it can exacerbate the problem and create a negative work culture.

2. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

3. Which of the following is likely to facilitate union activity?

• A. Managers communicating effectively with employees
• B. Managers listening to concerns of employees
• C. Belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction
• D. Belief that supervisors are not understanding of unionizing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because according to a study by Bilchik (2000), organizations are more likely to unionize if there is a belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction. Choices A and B focus on effective communication and listening, which may actually prevent union activity by addressing employee concerns directly. Choice D, the belief that supervisors are not understanding of unionizing, may lead to dissatisfaction but doesn't directly facilitate union activity as the belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction does.

4. Which of the following presents an important emerging challenge to changes in health care?

• A. Decreased immigration
• B. Nursing staff shortages
• C. Bioterrorism
• D. Increased surgical procedures

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bioterrorism is considered an important emerging challenge to changes in health care due to its potential to disrupt healthcare systems, cause mass casualties, and create public health emergencies. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to emerging challenges in health care. While nursing staff shortages are a significant issue, bioterrorism poses a different kind of threat that requires specific preparedness and response strategies.

5. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

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