Nursing Elites

1. Within the fast-paced, changing healthcare environment, job satisfaction will influence your success. What other characteristic is an asset?

• A. Being friendly
• B. Humility
• C. Ability to anticipate consequences
• D. Flexibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the fast-paced and evolving healthcare setting, flexibility is a crucial asset. Shaffer (2006) emphasizes the importance of being adaptable to change for professional growth. While being friendly and having humility are positive traits, they may not directly address the need to adapt to the dynamic healthcare environment. Anticipating consequences is valuable but may not encompass the breadth of skills needed to navigate rapid changes effectively.

2. The staff of a medical-surgical unit is in disagreement about holiday scheduling. The nurse manager knows that this is what type of conflict?

• A. Intragroup conflict
• B. Intergroup conflict
• C. Interpersonal conflict
• D. Intrapersonal conflict

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intragroup conflict. Intragroup conflict occurs within one group, in this case, the staff of the medical-surgical unit. Intergroup conflict, on the other hand, happens between two or more groups. Interpersonal conflict involves conflicts between two or more individuals, and intrapersonal conflict is conflict within one individual. Since the disagreement about holiday scheduling involves members within the same group (staff of the medical-surgical unit), it is an example of intragroup conflict. Therefore, the nurse manager would recognize this as an intragroup conflict rather than any of the other types mentioned.

3. What is the major difference between managers and leaders?

• A. Leaders usually have legitimate power.
• B. Leaders do not necessarily make good managers.
• C. Managers are not always leaders.
• D. Managers always have legitimate power.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between managers and leaders is that managers always have legitimate power. This is because managers derive their authority from their position within an organization, giving them legitimate power over subordinates. On the other hand, leaders do not always have legitimate power; their influence may come from various sources such as expertise, charisma, or the ability to inspire others. Choice A is incorrect because not all leaders necessarily have legitimate power. Choice B is incorrect as it is a generalization that leaders do not make good managers, which is not always the case. Choice C is incorrect as there can be managers who are also effective leaders.

4. Healthcare systems primarily have functional structures. Which of the following would be an example of this?

• A. Open communication exists between Physical Therapy and Nursing.
• B. Medicine has authority over nursing.
• C. Laboratory services have little authority.
• D. All nursing tasks fall under nursing service.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In functional structures, employees are grouped in departments by specialty, with similar tasks being performed by the same group. This means that in a healthcare system with a functional structure, all nursing tasks would fall under the nursing service. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because open communication between departments, one department having authority over another, or the level of authority of a particular department do not necessarily represent a functional structure.

5. Most evaluations are based on absolute judgment. This is:

• A. A standard set by an external source.
• B. The manager and staff's perceived notion.
• C. Internal standards.
• D. The manager's personal opinion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The internal standard used in evaluations is the criteria set by the manager, reflecting what they perceive as reasonable and acceptable performance for the employee. Choice A is incorrect because the standard is internal, not set by an external source. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the collective perception of the manager and staff, rather than the internal standard. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the manager's personal opinion, which may not always align with the internal standards set for evaluations.

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