Exam 21: Dealing With Staff Problems

A nurse makes a medication error and notifies the client's physician. The physician berates the nurse over the phone and states, "You are an idiot." How should the manager deal with this situation?

A nurse manager has had issues with a marginal employee. Staff members have complained several times to the manager regarding this employee's competence. Which action by the manager would be appropriate?

A hospital administrator is investigating why the turnover rate is so high and why it is difficult to attract new nursing employees. Which situation is most likely to have resulted in this problem?

A nurse constantly complains about employee policies and procedures and frequently mentions how "they" are "out to get us." The nurse is surprised when referred to by the manager as "disgruntled" during a discussion of this behavior. What information should the manager provide this nurse?

A group of nursing students have just arrived on the unit. Which actions by staff would be considered uncivil to these students?

Pharmacy reports that the medication records of a unit have begun to show frequent corrections. What other signs of diversion would the manager look for on the unit?

The nurse manager becomes aware of frequent incorrect narcotics counts on the night shift. This is verified by the pharmacy. What should be the first action taken by the manager?

A nurse manager does not like conflict and would like to allow instances of bullying to "go away on their own." What rationale by the manager's supervisor is the most important?

A nurse admits to diverting narcotic drugs while working. The manager says, "All nurses who admit diverting narcotics have to be reported to the state board of nursing." How should the nurse interpret this statement?

A nurse who has been abusing narcotics is in the nurse executive's office discussing the charges. The nurse executive is trying to convince the nurse to seek treatment for the abuse. Which statement should the nurse executive make?