Exam 9: Power, Politics, and Influence

During orientation of new nurse managers, the chief nursing officer stresses strategies that help nurse managers to achieve a powerful image.What behaviors best contribute to a powerful image for the nurse manager?

Despite repeated invitations by his colleagues to become involved in regional and state nursing practice committees, Tom refuses.His reason is that "nursing committees rarely get anything worthwhile done because of politics and conflicts." According to the text, Tom's view of involvement:

A nurse manager must implement a 2% budget cut on the nursing unit.What approach would the manager use to most effectively empower the staff of the unit?

Politics is identified in what areas?

Sondra, a new graduate, recently began a position as a registered nurse in a rural hospital, where she is the youngest and newest staff member.Although she has limited experience, she has a strong knowledge base, is confident, and was considered to have strong entry-level skills on graduation.Sondra meets with her former instructor and confides that she is very frustrated that others do not seem to accept her leadership.What might you suggest that would help Sondra to understand what is happening in terms of power and influence?

Two nurses approach their manager about a conflict regarding the next month's schedule.The nurses are talking loudly and at the same time.The manager most effectively uses communication skills to resolve the conflict by:

Lucy, head nurse on the surgical unit, works with her staff to find ways in which they can work together with other disciplines to provide more effective care for patients on the unit.Lucy likely knows her power is:

A nurse belongs to several professional organizations, serving on a state-level committee of one group and on two task forces at work.The nurse is committed to a range of health issues and knows the state senator from the nurse's district, as well as the name of the representative in Washington, DC.This nurse exemplifies which level of political activism in nursing?

One day, at coffee, your co-worker suggests that you and she sit with unit members of the hospital research committee.She suggests that this would be an excellent way to get to know people who share her interest in research.Her actions are an example of:

What is the best example of skilled negotiation?

What interaction is MOST consistent with the idea of networking?

Nurses who engage in infighting, seek physician support against nursing colleagues, and avoid political advocacy through membership in nursing organizations:

A staff nurse asks the nurse manager for a few days off for personal reasons.The nurse manager turns in the request to the human resources office with a note indicating that the staff nurse has demonstrated excellent working skills and is a valued employee.The nurse manager has used the influence of her position to help this staff member.Influence is the process of:

During a unit meeting, you notice that Vivian listens attentively when Mary is speaking and offers support and advice when Mary presents ideas to the group.You are surprised because Vivian has often confided that she does not like Mary.Vivian's behavior is best described as:

The institution where you are a nurse manager has resisted the adoption of a new document management software, citing cost as a concern.You meet with other nurse managers who are in favor of the software and prepare a proposal to take to the senior executive with the goal of persuading the executive to adopt the software.This is an example of:

A nurse manager recognizes the need to expand her professional network as she begins a job search for a middle-management position.What action is least likely to expand her job-searching network?

A nurse is participating in a baccalaureate course.For the class, she has to attend the legislative session regarding the new role of medication assistants.Why is it important for nurses to be involved in shaping public policy?

The work group on Nursing Unit 23 is marked by apathy toward the ward's patients, high absenteeism, open conflict among team members, and high turnover of personnel, including managers.The underlying behavior in this situation may be characterized as:

Your colleague Mary, a recent graduate, announces that she intends to leave nursing in 3 to 4 months to pursue a position in marketing.While at your agency, she plans to give patients excellent care and to learn as much as she can, because "Who knows? Nursing is a great job with a great pay and I may return someday." Mary's statements most accurately exemplify which orientation to the concept of nursing? Nursing as a(n):

Amy has worked in the dialysis unit on staff for about 12 years.She is frequently consulted by other nursing staff regarding protocols and policies on the unit.What type of power is Amy using?