Exam 21: Dealing With Staff Problems

The manager has determined that a nurse is marginal, but elects to ignore the situation for now, hoping the nurse's work will improve. What risks has the manager taken by choosing this strategy?

A manager has documentation to suspect substance abuse by a nurse. The manager meets with the human resources (HR) director to determine which course of action should be taken to abide by the organization's policies. Which statement by the HR director is appropriate?

A night shift charge nurse frequently points out nurses' faults in front of coworkers. The manager of the unit has submitted a written warning to the charge nurse. What term should the manager use to label this behavior?

Two staff members have a long-standing dislike of one another. Generally they hide their feelings, but occasionally they engage in name-calling and derogatory remarks. Today their dislike erupted into a shoving match in the break room. How should the manager handle this situation?

A nurse says, "I don't see what all the fuss is about bullying. Every new nurse has to go through it. It's just a part of the history of nursing." How should the manager respond?

A nurse comes to a mandatory education session wearing a shirt with a picture and slogan that is degrading to nursing. What should the manager do first?

What characteristics would cause the manager to classify an employee as marginal?

A nurse comes to the unit manager to report a coworker's behavioral changes. The nurse has noticed that the coworker's handwriting has become shaky and illegible, that the coworker has mood swings, and that the coworker has had increased tardiness. Which should be the manager's first action?

A night shift nurse is assuming a day shift nurse's assignment, which includes two clients whose pain is being controlled with oral hydrocodone (Lortab). At shift assessment, both clients complain of pain. During shift report, the day shift nurse reports that both clients had just received two hydrocodone (Loratab) tablets for pain. What action should the night shift nurse take?

A hospital administrator has attended a conference on bullying and wishes to address the most likely bullies in the organization. Whom would the administrator invite to the first meeting about bullying behaviors?

The chief nurse officer (CNO) has received numerous complaints by staff regarding their manager. The staff describes behaviors such as not granting requested days off, favoring other staff members, and allowing lateral violence in the department. Which statement by the CNO to the manager would specifically describe a lack of civility?

A nurse is suspected of abusing narcotics. A thorough investigation has been performed, and the nurse will now be notified of the suspicion and investigation. How should this notification be handled?

Which assignment would be in the best interest of a nurse reentering practice following treatment for abuse of mood-altering drugs?

A nurse writes some scathing remarks about another nurse's professionalism on a social media site. A complaint of bullying is lodged with the nurse manager. Which statement by the manager is appropriate?

The nurse executive works hard to create a civil workplace that does not tolerate harassing behaviors. How would this nurse best explain the reason for this emphasis on civility?

A nurse manager has been working with a disgruntled employee for several weeks. Today the employee comes to the manager's office with yet another complaint about a new hospital policy. The manager says, "I am sick of your complaining. Leave me alone so I can get some work done." What should the manager do now?

A nurse who is a chronic complainer comes back from lunch 20 minutes late. When confronted by the manager the nurse says, "The nurses who smoke always take longer lunches. No one says anything to them." What is the manager's major consideration before replying to this statement?

An error made in client care last week has just been discovered. A nurse who cared for the client during that period is asked about the error and states, "That probably happened when the nurse covering for me at noon or for my breaks was in charge." How should the manager interpret this statement?

A nurse has been discovered using drugs on the unit. Investigation reveals the nurse has likely been diverting and abusing narcotics for some time. What is the likely the worst outcome for this nurse?

A nurse manager is struggling with two marginal nurses and goes to the supervisor for advice. How should the supervisor advise the manager?