final 4 chapters
A nurse is interviewing for a manager's position. Which of the following actions is considered a role preview? a. Formal commitment of the employment contract b. Improving role performance c. Touring the unit d. Disillusionment about the expectations of the job
c. Touring the unit
An interviewee for a nurse manager position asks for a copy of the organizational chart. Organizational charts provide information about the role component of: a. expectations. b. opportunities. c. responsibilities. d. lines of communication.
d. lines of communication.
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. Sarah finds a mentor, Amy, who has been in the role of unit manager for 3 years and has a similar interest in clinical excellence. During their frequent meetings, Amy provides assistance with learning aspects of the manager's role, including technical aspects, such as how to interpret budget printouts and to achieve budget outcomes. The success of Amy's coaching depends on: a. clarity of Amy's information. b. organizational support for the mentor relationship. c. the congruence of Amy's beliefs with Sarah's beliefs. d. willingness of Sarah to receive feedback.
d. willingness of Sarah to receive feedback.
As a manager, you are interested in developing behavioral questions for an interview. Knowing that there is team conflict at times on your unit, which of the following questions would satisfy your interest in behavioral questions? a. "Tell me about a time you were involved in a conflict related to a project. What was your role in the conflict? In the resolution of the conflict?" b. "If you were to employ one strategy for managing conflict, what would it be?" c. "What is your preferred style of conflict resolution?" d. "How effective are you in working in a group? In dealing with conflict?"
a. "Tell me about a time you were involved in a conflict related to a project. What was your role in the conflict? In the resolution of the conflict?"
Which of the following will require greater attention in the future? a. Chronic disorders b. Obstetrical outcomes c. Prevention of hospital-based errors d. Team conflict resolution strategies
a. Chronic disorders
As a team, you and the staff have determined that there is a need to reduce medication errors on your unit. Together, you developed the questions that you would like addressed and searched the literature for relevant research studies. Based on the evidence, you suggested a change to your practices and now are involved in implementation of these changes. Today, there was a major study released that would significantly change what you have decided to do. What are you and your staff experiencing? a. Compression complexity b. Distress c. Information lag d. Technology advancement
a. Compression complexity
In assisting new graduates to make the role transition to graduate nurse, Ted, the unit manager initiates which of the following? a. Self-check list to assess competencies that have been strengthened b. Discussions that focus on what the new graduates have yet to learn c. Fixed target dates for acquisition of competency and transition to RN role d. Frequent formal meetings to provide feedback on performance and areas to be strengthened
a. Self-check list to assess competencies that have been strengthened
Steady state styles would be most likely in which of the following situations? a. Small hospital, in an isolated rural setting, with limited hierarchy b. Large urban teaching hospital c. Health network with several organizations d. Travel nurse agency
a. Small hospital, in an isolated rural setting, with limited hierarchy
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. Sarah's actions are important in avoiding role: a. ambiguity. b. transition. c. development. d. negotiation.
a. ambiguity.
A survey of staff satisfaction is conducted. The survey indicates that staff members are satisfied, are loyal to the organization, and feel that they have reasonable control in their individual responsibilities. The findings best exemplify: a. clarity in roles and valuing of contributions. b. satisfaction but not empowerment. c. effective coaching of new staff. d. role attachment.
a. clarity in roles and valuing of contributions.
A new graduate is seeking a new position in nursing and wants to "sell" herself effectively. The best strategy is to: a. create a résumé. b. practice interviewing. c. call the personnel offices. d. create a curriculum vitae.
a. create a résumé.
A functional résumé focuses on: a. experience and skills gained in positions. b. positions held and specific roles in the positions. c. academic qualifications and achievements. d. relating skills and experience to qualifications in a specific position.
a. experience and skills gained in positions.
Knowing your professional strengths is important to: a. find your fit in positions and a career path. b. maintain a professional status. c. act in a manner that is legal and ethical. d. understand the role expectations of a position.
a. find your fit in positions and a career path.
The biggest challenge in the recruitment of staff is: a. finding well-qualified candidates who can function well within your particular work culture. b. recruiting individuals with the appropriate qualifications and experience. c. screening out candidates who are unable to function well within a team. d. determining if candidates have had previous negative experiences in a work environment.
a. finding well-qualified candidates who can function well within your particular work culture.
A necessary leadership strength for nurses of the future is: a. inspiring others to work their best to create the future. b. understanding the nuances of fundraising to make up funding shortfall. c. guarding the tendency of other professions to encroach on nursing roles. d. adapting work life to an aging nursing work force.
a. inspiring others to work their best to create the future.
The validity of comments and ratings related to performance is enhanced by: a. maintenance of anecdotal notes over the entire evaluation period. b. quantity of information gathered for appraisal purposes. c. agreement of the employee with the ratings and comments. d. whether or not other individuals have contributed to the observations.
a. maintenance of anecdotal notes over the entire evaluation period.
The nurse manager schedules evaluations of staff members using a newly developed performance appraisal tool. The development of a performance appraisal tool should include: a. organizational mission, philosophy, and position requirements. b. a generalized overview of the duties of a position. c. a skills checklist and accreditation requirements. d. an ordinal scale that ranks all employees.
a. organizational mission, philosophy, and position requirements.
Which of the following actions is most representative of how health care of the future might be delivered? As a nurse leader, you: a. refer families who require immediate help to a local food bank. You also work with local agencies and families to establish mothers collective in which mothers learn about nutrition and prepare low-cost, nutritious meals that are shared with the mothers in the collective. b. work together with a local agency to set up a free clinic in which addicts and the homeless can receive free health care and prescriptions for immediate needs. c. ensure that individuals who are admitted to your unit are asked about their smoking history and that preoperative and postoperative planning takes into account how smoking will affect status during and after surgery. d. address the health of those who are overweight and obese on your unit by ensuring that hospital meals offer nutritious, healthy food choices that are satisfying.
a. refer families who require immediate help to a local food bank. You also work with local agencies and families to establish mothers collective in which mothers learn about nutrition and prepare low-cost, nutritious meals that are shared with the mothers in the collective.
The primary difference between a résumé and a CV is that a résumé: a. reflects your skills, knowledge, and background in relation to a specific position. b. offers a detailed listing of positions held and where positions were held. c. includes a long and detailed explanation of academic and work experience. d. provides contact information and focuses on your background, in general.
a. reflects your skills, knowledge, and background in relation to a specific position.
An outpatient clinic advertised for RN positions. Before authorizing an open position, the nurse manager should: a. review the position description and performance expectations for the opening. b. place an ad in the local newspaper and on the telephone job line. c. review all current applications on file. d. look for employees within the system who might best fill the position.
a. review the position description and performance expectations for the opening.
On your unit, despite efforts to build a strong sense of team, conflict between some of the staff is ongoing. Nonetheless, you want to proceed with developing a systematic and effective performance appraisal system. Which of the following approaches would be most appropriate for you to implement? a. Peer review b. A combination of tools c. Anecdotal notes d. Rating scale
b. A combination of tools
As a new manager, you reflect on what professional development would be most valuable to assist you in taking on this role. Which of the following would you most likely identify? a. Opportunities to hone clinical skills that are used most often on the unit that you will manage b. A workshop on conflict management and communication skills c. Attendance at a conference on global healthcare economics d. Attendance at a workshop on survey tool development and statistical measurement
b. A workshop on conflict management and communication skills
Your organization is in the middle of re-designing patient care units, with decisions based on best practices and various other sources of evidence. In the middle of the transition, there is a temporary halt called to the transition because of a re-design of the health care system and greater emphasis on primary care. What would be a healthy response to this situation? a. Salvage as much of the original planning as possible so as to reduce expenditures. b. Engage in consultation to create innovative solutions that bridge the existing plans and the new directions. c. Abandon the current planning in favor of addressing the new trends. d. Continue with the current planning because trends come and go.
b. Engage in consultation to create innovative solutions that bridge the existing plans and the new directions.
A young male nurse began in nursing as a staff nurse at a hospital. After 3 years, he moved to a home healthcare agency for increase in pay and taking a position as a manager in the agency. What type of motivation does this exemplify in career success? a. Internal b. External c. Spiral d. Entrepreneurial
b. External
Which of the following strategies might be effective in empowering staff? a. Communication book in which new information on policies and processes is communicated and mistakes are highlighted. b. Monthly staff meetings during which a portion of the agenda is devoted to sharing ideas and presentations on best practices for implementation on the unit. c. Once-yearly summative evaluations based on what the manager best likes about the individual. d. Focus on discussion of errors in care with direction as to how errors are to be prevented in the future.
b. Monthly staff meetings during which a portion of the agenda is devoted to sharing ideas and presentations on best practices for implementation on the unit.
The starfish analogy is exemplified in which of the following? a. A unit manager resigns after continued tension between the administration and her regarding implementation of primary nursing. The primary nursing project dies. b. Nurses try to establish a clinic that provides ambulatory care to parents and young children in an impoverished neighborhood. Community members advocate for funding from political leaders and insurers. c. Alana, a new graduate, promotes continence care based on evidence. When she presents her ideas, senior staff refuses to consider it. d. The head of a community health service moves on to another position. Programs are disbanded.
b. Nurses try to establish a clinic that provides ambulatory care to parents and young children in an impoverished neighborhood. Community members advocate for funding from political leaders and insurers.
Several changes are introduced to a unit, including changes to familiar clinical procedures and the use of WOWs to enable bedside documentation. You, as unit manager, anticipate which of the following will contribute most to complexity compression? a. Meaning of the change b. Pace of changes c. Previous experiences with change d. Confidence of the leader in the value of the change
b. Pace of changes
Sue, a nurse manager, discusses her concerns about the hospital's employee appraisal system with her work group, noting that it includes only one rating scale and that it means nothing unless the manager has effective relationship skills. Sue's concerns reflect which best practices associated with performance appraisal? a. Rating scales are too generalized to be considered valid or reliable. b. The effectiveness of appraisal is enhanced by a combination of methods and effective communication skills. c. BARS is considered superior to simple rating scales in terms of performance appraisal. d. Rating scales need to be designed by users to be well accepted.
b. The effectiveness of appraisal is enhanced by a combination of methods and effective communication skills.
John's performance was satisfactory during the first month, but after that time, he was found to be very inconsistent in the provision of nursing care. One month before the end of the rating period, he cared for a very wealthy and influential client, who is best friends with the clinical manager. This client donated new furniture for the staff lounge in John's name to show appreciation for his care. John's subsequent performance appraisal resulted in outstanding ratings in all areas. This is an example of: a. a performance rating based on justifiable evidence. b. a bias related to recent events. c. the impact of personality on the appraisal of performance. d. the effective use of a behaviorally anchored rating scale.
b. a bias related to recent events.
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. Sarah finds that she has begun to think negatively about the way nursing care is delivered on her nursing unit. She often wishes that she was back on her old unit and in her familiar staff nurse role. This behavior: a. is natural when assuming a new position. b. diverts energy from internalization of Sarah's new role. c. is justified if practices are deficient on the new unit. d. reflects Sarah's astuteness as a clinician.
b. diverts energy from internalization of Sarah's new role.
To develop a curriculum vitae, or résumé, a nurse must develop a personal data file. The goal of a personal data file is to: a. create an opportunity to be interviewed. b. have a listing of facts about your professional life. c. have a tool in place for marketing yourself. d. create a document that lists your skills.
b. have a listing of facts about your professional life.
Nursing professionals in the twenty-first century will accomplish most of their work: a. through teams of internationally prepared professionals. b. in teams and through group work. c. through long term, secure jobs. d. in competitive environments and work groups.
b. in teams and through group work.
John, a new graduate, reviews the employee evaluation for his new position. The first section requires that he list his own specific objectives to be accomplished. This is an example of: a. the traditional rating scale. b. learning goals, or management by objectives. c. a forced distribution scale. d. a behavior-anchored rating scale.
b. learning goals, or management by objectives.
Your unit has several patients who have undergone limb amputation. In working with the clients, you begin to think beyond therapies such as pharmacotherapeutics and surgery and you explore biomechanics, robotics, mind-body approaches, and cognitive behavioral therapies as possibilities in working with these clients. You begin to amass information in several areas with which you previously had little familiarity. According to the Wise Forecast Model©, you are: a. acting wildly. b. learning wildly. c. engaging in interprofessional care. d. increasing your complexity compression.
b. learning wildly.
A nurse is applying for a new position. This position is one in which she will serve as a liaison between a hospital and a school of nursing. The nurse must update her résumé to include her teaching experience. The goal of creating a curriculum vitae is to: a. have a listing of facts about your professional life. b. provide potential employers with information about where you are in your career. c. respond quickly whenever a position becomes available. d. be certain you can recall facts for a prospective position.
b. provide potential employers with information about where you are in your career.
Joanne, a new nurse manager, writes certain assumptions regarding the organization's objectives into her budget. Her supervisor tells her that the objectives implied in her assumptions are not entirely consistent with the organization, and that she needs to clarify these objectives with her supervisor. Joanne apologizes and says she had more latitude with the budget where she previously worked. This is an example of: a. role complexity. b. role ambiguity. c. role conflict. d. time-dependent roles.
b. role ambiguity.
The chief nursing officer establishes a shared governance model to help empower the nursing staff, thus empowering the organization. Common characteristics of empowered organizations are: a. shared values, high salaries, and a human focus. b. shared values, flexibility, and a human-capital focus. c. commitment to communication, high salaries, and flexibility for evaluations. d. creation of community and of effective stress management in the midst of divergent goals.
b. shared values, flexibility, and a human-capital focus.
During a performance appraisal, Joanne, the nurse manager, indicates that Alysha has difficulty mentoring students on the unit. Alysha responds that this is not her responsibility. In responding to Alysha, Joanne needs to consider: a. Alysha's level of confidence. b. whether mentoring is included in the position description. c. whether mentoring is an essential component of the position description. d. whether mentoring can be accurately observed and measured.
b. whether mentoring is included in the position description.
Which of the following might best conclude an interview? a. "Thank you for your interest. Someone will be in touch with you soon." b. "Before you go, we will make sure that we have your contact information. Thank you for coming." c. "I will be in contact with all candidates by telephone by next Friday. It has been a pleasure to meet you." d. "We have several excellent candidates so I am not sure about the outcome of the interview, but I will let you know. Thank you for coming."
c. "I will be in contact with all candidates by telephone by next Friday. It has been a pleasure to meet you."
Nathan tells you that he has selected nursing as a career because many jobs are available and he will have job security. Your best response to Nathan is: a. "With many young people going overseas, many jobs and options will be available. Stable jobs and job security will be part of the nursing employment market." b. "The job market for nurses will be diminished with funding cuts to hospitals." c. "The employment prospects for nurses are positive with many options to choose from. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to income security." d. "It is unlikely that nursing will survive in the long term with funding cuts and a declining population of seniors."
c. "The employment prospects for nurses are positive with many options to choose from. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to income security."
In determining the fit of a candidate with the culture on your unit, which of the following interview questions might be asked? a. "Could you review your résumé for us, highlighting your certifications and experience?" b. "If we were to ask your references, what would they list as your strengths? Weaknesses?" c. "We have a number of older adult patients on this unit. If you noticed another staff member addressing one of these patients impatiently, how would you respond?" d. "Tell us about your work and academic experiences and qualifications."
c. "We have a number of older adult patients on this unit. If you noticed another staff member addressing one of these patients impatiently, how would you respond?"
During performance appraisal interviews, Joanne's nurse manager notices Joanne's excitement when she talks about how she has helped patients on a rehab unit understand the complexities of their regimens. When Joanne's nurse manager asks her about her career path plans, Joanne says that she wants to become a nurse administrator. The best response to Joanne would be: a. "Nursing administration is rewarding. What experiences would help you along this path?" b. "You do not appear excited about nursing administration. Unless you are excited by that career path, I wouldn't advise going in that direction." c. "You seem to find teaching others very rewarding. Have you considered that as a possible career path?" d. "You are too inexperienced to consider administration. Work for a few years, and then consider administration."
c. "You seem to find teaching others very rewarding. Have you considered that as a possible career path?"
On your curriculum vitae, which of the following is the recommended approach for listing employment and educational history information? a. 1979 RN Diploma 1985 BScN 2002 MN b. 2002 Mount Rush Health Center Staff Nurse 1997 Cedar Falls Clinic Staff Nurse 2007 Kilkarney Rehab Center Case Manager c. 2007 MN 2005 BScN d. 1997 Sturgeon County Hospital Head Nurse 2002 Sturgeon County Supervisor 2007 Sturgeon County Director
c. 2007 MN 2005 BScN
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. After a year, Sarah successfully transitions into the nurse manager role and considers taking the examination to become a certified nurse executive. Amy advises her that this is not possible because Sarah will need: a. a graduate degree. b. at least a nursing diploma. c. 24 months of experience. d. 5 years of successful experience.
c. 24 months of experience.
Who of the following might be the most appropriate mentor for Becky, a new nurse manager on the cardiac unit who has 4 years of previous clinical experience? a. Sam, near retirement. He has 20 years of clinical nursing and recently assumed role of head nurse in an interim capacity because of the incumbent's illness. b. Leslie, who has been a clinical educator at the institution for a number of years. She has tired of her role and aspires to become a nurse manager. She looks at mentorship as an opportunity to understand the role better. c. Courtney, who has been a nurse manager for 3 years. Her staff and supervisor value her skills and her leadership acumen and championship of innovation. d. Ben, who was nurse manager for 3 years, soon after graduation. He left the role because he was uncomfortable with the expectations and has been a team leader on surgery for 15 years.
c. Courtney, who has been a nurse manager for 3 years. Her staff and supervisor value her skills and her leadership acumen and championship of innovation.
Which aspect of our tradition and history in nursing may impede our movement toward future-oriented thinking? a. Lack of confidence b. Focus on the discipline of nursing c. Focus on details in the everyday practice d. Mistrust of trends and new evidence
c. Focus on details in the everyday practice
The chief nursing officer has been developing her portfolio for years. What is the chief nursing officer modeling? a. Her clinical expertise b. Affection for tradition c. Her employability d. Her busy professional life
c. Her employability
Which of the following situations is most likely to result in a productive, whole work situation? a. Amy, RN, 5 years of experience in the Emergency Department. Amy accepts a position working with older clients in a home health agency because she has relocated, and this is the only full-time position available. b. Adam, RN, 8 years of experience in various nursing positions, including that of a nurse manager. Adam accepts a new nurse manager position because he has a family and wants more regular hours. He is most comfortable working in direct client care. c. Louise, RN, 10 years of experience in an Emergency Department. She accepts a position as a case manager in home health care, working with older clients. She especially enjoys working with older adults and wants to take on leadership and management challenges. d. Courtney, RN, a new graduate. Courtney is getting comfortable with delivering nursing care as an RN. She is offered a position on surgery as a permanent team leader. The unit has had a great deal of turnover recently, and only limited mentorship is available.
c. Louise, RN, 10 years of experience in an Emergency Department. She accepts a position as a case manager in home health care, working with older clients. She especially enjoys working with older adults and wants to take on leadership and management challenges.
In order to plan long term, you consider what the client of the future will look like. Which of the following client profiles would best capture shifting demographics and trends in health care? a. Younger, knowledgeable about health options b. Female, uses emergency care services for parents and children c. Older, one or more chronic disorders, diverse background d. Male, various occupationally generated disorders, diverse ethnic background
c. Older, one or more chronic disorders, diverse background
An experienced staff nurse applies for a distinct position of patient advocate at a new clinic. Based on the various tools available to her, which of the following should she bring to her interview to best present her skills? a. Résumé b. Annual evaluations c. Portfolio d. Patient advocacy project
c. Portfolio
Your organization is in the middle of re-designing patient care units, with decisions based on best practices and various other sources of evidence. In the middle of the transition, there is a temporary halt called to the transition because of a re-design of the health care system and greater emphasis on primary care. As a manager in this situation, your staff experience a gap between what they expected (the original re-design of the units) and what is actually happening (a need to integrate primary care in some way). According to Selye, the nurses on your nursing team are likely experiencing what? a. Eustress b. Distress c. Stress d. Compression
c. Stress
You notice that wait times in your Emergency Department are growing longer, because of factors such as increases in the numbers of persons with chronic disorders, discharge of patients into the community at a higher level of acuity, and limited resources for transfer of inpatients. You begin to think about an application that would use your knowledge of the Emergency Department but also software and business applications and wonder if this would reduce wait times. You have not encountered anything similar to this idea. According to the Wise Forecast Model©, you are in what phase? a. Wild thinking b. Act widely c. Think wildly d. Learn widely
c. Think wildly
During an interview for a manager's position, you find the supervisor and staff unfriendly. Responses to questions are met with vague responses. After the interview, you decide not to pursue the position. What follow-up, if any, is most appropriate? a. There is no need for you to do anything further. You likely will not be offered the position anyway. b. You should file a complaint with human resources about the supervisor's lack of interviewing skills. c. You should send a thank-you note to the interviewer, indicating appreciation for her time. d. You should call and leave a voicemail, indicating your disinterest in the position.
c. You should send a thank-you note to the interviewer, indicating appreciation for her time.
The nurse manager of a unit was demoted to staff nurse 6 months ago. Because of being near retirement, the former nurse manager wanted to be employed at the hospital and was offered a position on the same unit. The former nurse manager complains often about how infrequently the current nurse manager is available on the unit and argues with physicians and co-workers. Clients have complained about the attitude of the nurse. The behavior of the former nurse manager can be best explained as being caused by: a. overwork in the staff nurse position. b. inadequate mentoring in the new role. c. anger as a stage of the grieving process. d. demotion as a threat to personal identity.
c. anger as a stage of the grieving process.
A business condition that may assist forecasting but add to the complexity of change is: a. consulting with professional groups about change. b. researching about trends on futuristic sites. c. asking patients to examine options for change. d. building profit projects and sustainability into planning.
c. asking patients to examine options for change.
In addition to providing coaching, a nurse mentor may provide counseling to the mentee. For counseling to be successful, the mentor must: a. provide a quiet environment away from the unit. b. keep the focus on technical and management responsibilities. c. assure confidentiality. d. present assignments that stretch the intellectual and technical ability of the mentee.
c. assure confidentiality.
The unit leader on an inpatient psychiatric unit of a large hospital has been in the position for 3 months. The unit leader is frustrated by how little time is available to work with clients and how few changes have been implemented in that time. The phase of role transition being experienced is the role of: a. acceptance. b. negotiation. c. discrepancy. d. internalization.
c. discrepancy.
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. After beginning her new position, Sarah finds that she spends a great deal of time in direct patient care. Her staff begins to complain that they are never able to find her when they need her, and that some aspects of her responsibilities fall behind, such as scheduling. Sarah is most likely: a. lacking an understanding of the nurse management role. b. attempting to prove her clinical skills to the nursing staff. c. experiencing difficulty in unlearning old roles. d. lacking enjoyment in her new role.
c. experiencing difficulty in unlearning old roles.
The new nurse manager feels pulled between the expectations of staff, the demands of hospital administrators, and family obligations. According to the theory by Hardy (1978), unrelieved role stress and strain will lead to: a. frustration and anger. b. alienation of family and friends. c. low productivity and performance. d. physical symptoms and acute illness.
c. low productivity and performance.
A well-written letter of resignation is critical to: a. first announce your intent to resign. b. formally signal discontent in your current position. c. maintain a positive relationship with your former organization and colleagues. d. fulfill your legal obligations as a departing employee.
c. maintain a positive relationship with your former organization and colleagues.
Based on studies of workplace environments for nurses and future projections, the workplace of the future will be: a. less intense because of more technology. b. about the same as it is now. c. more intense because of more technology. d. fluctuating between intense periods and less intense periods.
c. more intense because of more technology.
Professional associations: a. set regulatory requirements and establish entry requirements for nursing. b. offer graduate programs for clinical and career advancement. c. provide opportunities for career networking and support. d. are open to all individuals who meet the criteria for membership.
c. provide opportunities for career networking and support.
John, a new nurse manager, complains to his colleague that he feels very uncomfortable with the conflict between what he thinks he should be doing as the manager and what his supervisor thinks he should be doing. According to Hardy's role theory, John is experiencing: a. stress. b. role stress. c. role strain. d. role exploration.
c. role strain.
A unit manager recently graduated as a clinical nurse specialist with a focus in gerontology. She applied to take a certification exam. Certification is designed to recognize: a. basic knowledge in a specified area. b. advanced practice in functional roles. c. special knowledge beyond basic licensure. d. continued competence as a registered nurse.
c. special knowledge beyond basic licensure.
A nurse manager has been employed in the same facility for 20 years and has held the same position. This career style is known as: a. linear. b. spiral. c. steady state. d. entrepreneurial/transient.
c. steady state.
A stroke unit experiences numerous changes related to implementation of new technology, a changed nursing care delivery model, and staff turnover within a period of 6 months. Staff members begin to show signs of reluctance to implement any more changes. This exemplifies: a. a poor relationship between leaders and staff. b. lack of knowledge regarding the importance of changes. c. striving to achieve stability during great disequilibrium. d. the importance of chaos in promoting adherence with established practices.
c. striving to achieve stability during great disequilibrium.
You are offered an opportunity to take a temporary leave from your position as a nurse manager to lead a technology implementation project. Which of the following reasons for accepting the opportunity is most consistent with developing a solid career path? a. You are pressured to do so by your supervisor. b. The organization has no other suitable candidate for the position. c. You have limited knowledge of information technology and no real interest, but this will increase your knowledge. d. Accepting a position outside of your established skill set may establish you organizationally as an innovative, adaptable leader.
d. Accepting a position outside of your established skill set may establish you organizationally as an innovative, adaptable leader.
Which of the following strategies is most important in developing a strong vision? a. Seeking out evidence to support trends and out-of-the-box thinking b. Spending time with others with whom we discuss ideas c. Setting up focus groups to provide information on current realities d. Being honest and open about what we think for the future
d. Being honest and open about what we think for the future
To move beyond stereotypical thinking and toward thinking about the future, which of the following would be most consistent with thinking wildly in the Wise Forecast Model©? a. Listing everything that we know about our current situation b. Defining which practices will remain unchanged and which will change c. Asking someone with a great deal of experience to share ideas about best practice d. Challenging current and future practices with questions of "what if?"
d. Challenging current and future practices with questions of "what if?"
You have hired a new RN to replace a well-respected and experienced nurse in your outpatient department. The new RN recently graduated and is nervous about stepping into a role that was previously filled by someone who was so competent. You recognize anxiety and set up regular, frequent meetings during which you explore how she is dealing with her anxiety, provide feedback, and discuss strategies/ideas that will enhance her performance. What development approach are you using? a. Performance appraisal b. Counseling c. Empowerment d. Coaching
d. Coaching
After several months in the role of manager of a dialysis unit, Maryanne finds herself still questioning the gap in expectations between her and her staff and management and is also questioning if she can reconcile her concerns about quality care with the strong cost-containment orientation of the facility. At this point, Maryanne is in which stage of role transition? a. Internalization b. Acceptance c. Development d. Discrepancy
d. Discrepancy
Before beginning her own nursing agency, a nurse worked with other temporary nursing agencies in nine states and multiple agencies. She had set a personal goal to start her own agency. What type of motivation does this exemplify in career success? a. Linear b. Spiral c. External d. Internal
d. Internal
Which of the following needs revision on a résumé or CV? a. John Jones 87 Highway Drive City, MI 79110 [email protected] b. M. Howes Anyway Highway City, MO 77700 (H) 777-777-0000 e-mail: [email protected] c. Dr. L. Jones 99 Carway Drive City, NY 84003 (H) 999-999-0000 (Cell) 999-000-9999 d. Tanya Jones 67 Honeywell Drive City, MO 66907 [email protected]
d. Tanya Jones 67 Honeywell Drive City, MO 66907 [email protected]
You have just hired a recent graduate. The graduate is thrilled with the opportunity that she has been given, as well as with the idea that "working means no more essays, tests, or assignments!" She indicates that she has no intention of touching a book, journal, or health information website for a "long time." Which of the following would be your best response? a. The expectations and design of educational programs means that new graduates are better prepared for the work force. b. The new graduate will still have to learn, but it will be job-specific learning. c. An ideal learning plan for nurses emphasizes followership. d. The amount and intensity of knowledge demands lifelong learning that includes assessment of relevancy of knowledge for practice.
d. The amount and intensity of knowledge demands lifelong learning that includes assessment of relevancy of knowledge for practice.
The final section of a performance appraisal is a rating scale. This scale is very detailed and relates to competency standards specific to surgical clients. The scale is a summary of performance directly observed or documentation reviewed and is specific to client care situations in which the employee has been involved. This type of evaluation is most commonly known as: a. a traditional rating scale. b. management by objectives/learning goals. c. a forced distribution scale. d. a behaviorally anchored rating scale.
d. a behaviorally anchored rating scale.
The turnover rate for RNs in the ICU is high. You discuss this situation with existing staff and you find out that because of the rapid turnover, new staff are frequently required to assume full responsibilities soon into the position and before training is completed. In considering approaches that will reduce turnover rates, the staff and you decide to implement: a. an employee recognition program. b. coaching for new staff. c. a new performance appraisal system. d. a committed orientation and training program.
d. a committed orientation and training program.
John notes that the next section is specific to the organizational philosophy and has a 4-point ordinal scale that describes performance from "always meets expectations" to "does not meet expectations." This type of evaluation is most commonly known as: a. a behavior-anchored rating scale. b. management by objectives/learning goals. c. the forced distribution scale. d. a graphic rating scale.
d. a graphic rating scale.
A nurse manager in the ICU works with his staff to develop an appraisal instrument that includes quantitative data and respects standards for an RN working on that unit. This type of appraisal is a: a. rating scale. b. collaboratively based appraisal system. c. narrative instrument. d. behaviorally anchored rating scale.
d. behaviorally anchored rating scale.
A stroke unit experiences numerous changes related to implementation of new technology, a changed nursing care delivery model, and staff turnover within a period of 6 months. Staff members begin to show signs of reluctance to implement any more changes. The phenomenon experienced by the staff is termed: a. eustress. b. care process. c. stereotypical thinking. d. complexity compression.
d. complexity compression.
As part of orientation to your unit, you decide to administer Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) to new staff. The most likely reason for your decision is that the use of Kolb LSI: a. reduces the cost of orientation. b. determines if there is fit between learner and organizational values. c. develops the strengths of the new staff member. d. enables individualization of learning to the learner's needs.
d. enables individualization of learning to the learner's needs.
Thomas has been a nurse in your ICU for 10 years. In facilitating Thomas' professional development, the nurse manager would focus on: a. certification for the ICU environment. b. discussions about how Thomas can fit with role expectations and relationships. c. possible changes to other ICU environments. d. encouraging him to lead changes that leave long-term impacts after his retirement.
d. encouraging him to lead changes that leave long-term impacts after his retirement.
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. Sarah finds that she is comfortable with the expectations of staff and her supervisor regarding her management role and responsibilities and has been able to effect a strong commitment to quality clinical care on the unit. At this point, Sarah has likely attained this role: a. development. b. acceptance. c. symmetry. d. internalization.
d. internalization.
During an employment interview for the manager's position in a home health agency, the applicant asks questions about the medical director and about retention of staff. The nurse executive assures the applicant that the agency has few personnel problems and receives excellent support from the medical director. The applicant knows that the agency has a 50% turnover rate and has had three medical directors in the past year. The nurse executive is: a. unaware of the turnover rate and difficulties with the medical director. b. lying about the problems and hoping to resolve them by hiring the applicant. c. denying that the agency has a turnover problem with staff or medical directors. d. minimizing the challenges of the position to make a positive impression on the applicant.
d. minimizing the challenges of the position to make a positive impression on the applicant.
Seth is hired as the nurse manager for a surgical unit. After a year, the hospital reorganizes, and his position is lost. In leaving the unit, it is important for Seth to: a. engage in clarifying why the hospital did not state its expectations for the unit at the time of hiring. b. hire a lawyer to represent his interests during this unexpected role transition. c. seek counseling to deal with his shock and anger. d. negotiate a reasonable settlement.
d. negotiate a reasonable settlement.
In preparing for a fair interview process as a hiring manager, you should: a. put water out for the candidates. b. ensure that you know the names of all candidates. c. dress comfortably and professionally. d. prepare a schedule of questions to be asked of all candidates.
d. prepare a schedule of questions to be asked of all candidates.
Sarah is a nursing graduate of 5 years who is very confident in her clinical skills. She has taken some certificate courses in leadership and management and has considered beginning a graduate degree with this focus. She is excited about being able to use her knowledge and interest by being hired as a nurse manager. Before beginning her new position, Sarah spends time with her nurse executive to clarify the executive's expectations of her and of the unit that she has been hired to manage. A strategy that may help to make the transition to her management role and to respond to relationships and situations in her new position is: a. avoiding discussion of her personal beliefs with staff until she is ready to do so. b. finding a network of clinicians with interests similar to her own. c. researching clinical literature to maintain her clinical assessment skills for the unit. d. recognizing her strong commitment to care in the management process through journaling.
d. recognizing her strong commitment to care in the management process through journaling.
The new head nurse on telemetry has been in the position for 3 months. The head nurse and the administrator disagree on how much time the head nurse should allot to various aspects of the role. Staff members on the unit complain that the head nurse is unavailable for clinical concerns because of being off the unit while attending meetings. To facilitate the process of role transition, the head nurse should: a. develop policies consistent with the head nurse's prior workplace. b. attend a workshop on how to deal with difficult people. c. decide to give the position 3 more months and then leave if things do not improve. d. schedule a series of meetings with staff and the administrator to clarify expectations.
d. schedule a series of meetings with staff and the administrator to clarify expectations.
Nursing research has indicated that the foundation for becoming a nursing leader is the ability to: a. write effectively. b. speak two or three languages. c. focus on day-to-day priorities. d. think futuristically.
d. think futuristically.
A cover letter and a résumé together should be no longer than ________ page(s). a. two b. one c. four d. three
d. three
A nurse manager notices that Nathan, an RN who has been on the unit for approximately 3 years, has an interest in health technology and seems to be very enthused about working with software and hardware at home. She speaks with Nathan and asks him if he would lead investigation of software applications on the unit. This is an example of: a. opportunity. b. delegation. c. role negotiation. d. role transition.
a. opportunity.
The chief nursing officer develops a mentoring program to help new staff members adjust to their new jobs. The main purpose of mentoring is: a. promoting staff retention. b. promoting staff attrition. c. developing new role expectations. d. promoting staff supervision.
a. promoting staff retention.
You have hired Chelsea as a new staff member on your unit. Although she is an experienced ICU nurse, this is her first educator role. A month into her new position, she confides that she feels really incompetent in her new position and bursts into tears. Your response is based on application of your understanding of: a. role acquisition. b. role conflict. c. role complexity. d. performance appraisal.
a. role acquisition.
A nurse manager in one hospital values a colleague who is a few years older and has more experience in nursing management. The colleague works in another hospital, but they meet for lunch once a month. In these meetings, they share their feelings about nursing management and their lives. The function of a mentor that is missing in the relationship is: a. sponsorship. b. role modeling. c. social interaction. d. mutual positive regard.
a. sponsorship.
As a nurse manager, it is important to become a "future thinker." Which is an example of a "future thinker"? a. Keeping traditional practices b. Moving toward evidence-based practices c. Finding less need for more knowledge d. Believing that macromarketing will be a necessity
b. Moving toward evidence-based practices
Anecdotal notes: a. should be completed only when there are performance concerns. b. can be used to support and justify fairness in termination discussions. c. are unnecessary if the evaluation instrument is thorough. d. need to be completed at the end of a performance period.
b. can be used to support and justify fairness in termination discussions.
To enhance team leadership skills for your team leaders, you arrange opportunities for: a. certification. b. continuing education. c. graduate courses. d. volunteerism.
b. continuing education.
