Exam 21: Managing Absenteeism, Reducing Turnover, Retaining Staff

Hospital management is brainstorming ways to reduce absenteeism. Which suggestions from this session deserve further investigation? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A hospital is experiencing a high nursing turnover rate. One manager suggests offering sign-on bonuses to fill positions. Why would the nurse executive veto this suggestion? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A newly hired nurse has incurred two absences within two pay periods. The nurse manager has scheduled a meeting with the nurse. What other action should the manager plan in addressing this issue?

The hospital is hiring several new nurses for an expanded OB unit. The manager explains to the current staff that due to a shortage of nurses, salary compression is occurring. How should the current nurses interpret this statement?

A nurse who has been working the evening shift on the hospice unit for 5 years resigns. The nurse says, "I just can't work here anymore. These clients are so sad." What is the best strategy for retaining this nurse?

The chief nursing officer notes that the nursing department has exceeded budget in salary expenses for the last 3 months and asks the hospital nurse managers why this occurred. Which would be a cause for increased salaries?

A nurse is frequently absent on Fridays. The nurse phones and reports as sick, but the manager discovers that the absences are due to child care issues. How should the manager document this on the critical incident form?

The director of two nursing units is off on medical leave. The morale on these units has decreased over the past year. During the director's absence, the chief nurse officer (CNO) notices a marked increase in the staff's morale. This causes the CNO to be concerned about which factor on these two units?

The nurse manager charged with hiring staff for a new nursing unit explains the unit's rigid structure and scheduling policies to all potential applicants. The manager is most likely to lose the interest of applicants of which generations? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are eligible to take a leave if they what?

An organization has not updated its sick day policy in the last 5 years and has experienced an increase in employee days off for illness over the last year. Which change to the sick leave policy might have a positive effect on the organization's absenteeism?

An employee has called in to report being unable to come to work due to car trouble. This is the third time this has happened in the last 2 weeks. The manager should question which variable in this employee's attendance?

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) established criteria for a healthy work environment. This includes what criteria?

When the unit manager is on vacation, the charge nurse fills in the leadership role. While in this role the charge nurse senses a change in the nursing staff's morale. The staff appears happier, more energetic, and productive. The charge nurse believes this change is a direct effect of which variable?

The human resources (HR) department is considering motivating employees to maintain good attendance by changing some organizational practices. Which items should HR consider? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A valued longtime nursing employee says to the manager, "I'm so tired of all the politics on this unit. I'm thinking about retiring." What should be the manager's response?

An ICU manager is discussing a nurse's frequent absences and tardiness, which the nurse explains results from unreliable child care. The nurse states, "None of the other nurses mind if I am late or have to miss a shift. My kids are important to me. I'd do the same for any of them." This is an example of which situation?

Despite the nurse manager's best efforts to retain an experienced nurse, the nurse leaves for a job in a competing hospital. Which option reflects the most important thing the manager must do now?

A manager is preparing to write a critical incident regarding a nurse who has voluntary absences for several scheduled shifts. What information should the manager determine first?

Which personal characteristics would increase a nurse's potential for voluntary turnover? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.