Deck 12: Leadership and Systems-Based Professional Nursing Practice

Question 1

What are the differences between microsystems and macrosystems in health care? Identify some issues in the microsystem where you practice as a student nurse that could be improved.

Answer 1

Microsystems and macrosystems in healthcare refer to different levels of the healthcare system. Microsystems are the smallest units within the healthcare system, such as individual clinics, hospital units, or specific care teams. Macrosystems, on the other hand, refer to the larger healthcare system as a whole, including policies, regulations, and overall healthcare delivery.

Some differences between microsystems and macrosystems in healthcare include:

1. Scope of influence: Microsystems have a more direct impact on patient care and outcomes, as they involve the day-to-day interactions between healthcare providers and patients. Macrosystems, on the other hand, have a broader influence, shaping the overall structure and functioning of the healthcare system.

2. Decision-making authority: Microsystems often have more autonomy in decision-making, as they are closer to the point of care and can make immediate changes to improve patient outcomes. Macrosystems, on the other hand, involve higher-level decision-making that can impact the entire healthcare system.

3. Focus on individual vs. population health: Microsystems are focused on providing care to individual patients, while macrosystems are concerned with population health and healthcare delivery on a larger scale.

As a student nurse practicing in a microsystem, there are several issues that could be improved to enhance patient care and outcomes. Some of these issues may include:

1. Communication and teamwork: In many microsystems, there may be challenges with communication and teamwork among healthcare providers, which can impact the quality of care delivered to patients.

2. Workflow inefficiencies: There may be inefficiencies in the workflow within the microsystem, leading to delays in care or missed opportunities for early intervention.

3. Resource allocation: Limited resources within the microsystem may lead to challenges in providing optimal care to patients, such as shortages of essential supplies or equipment.

4. Patient education and engagement: There may be opportunities to improve patient education and engagement within the microsystem, to empower patients to take an active role in their own care.

By addressing these issues within the microsystem, healthcare providers can work towards improving the quality of care delivered to patients and ultimately contribute to better overall healthcare outcomes.

Question 2

What are some similarities and differences between the leadership role in nursing and the manager role in nursing?

Answer 2

The leadership role in nursing and the manager role in nursing share some similarities, but also have distinct differences.

Similarities:
1. Both leadership and management roles in nursing require strong communication skills to effectively coordinate and direct the nursing team.
2. Both roles involve making decisions that impact patient care and the overall functioning of the nursing unit or department.
3. Both leadership and management roles require the ability to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Differences:
1. The leadership role in nursing focuses on inspiring and motivating the nursing team, fostering a positive work environment, and advocating for the needs of both patients and staff. On the other hand, the manager role in nursing is more focused on administrative tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
2. Leadership in nursing often involves leading by example, mentoring and coaching staff, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In contrast, the manager role in nursing is more concerned with overseeing day-to-day operations, handling staffing issues, and addressing any conflicts or challenges that arise within the nursing team.
3. While both roles require strong decision-making skills, the leadership role in nursing often involves making strategic decisions that align with the organization's mission and vision, while the manager role in nursing involves more tactical and operational decision-making to ensure the smooth functioning of the nursing unit.

In summary, while both leadership and management roles in nursing are essential for the effective functioning of a healthcare organization, they have distinct focuses and responsibilities. Effective nursing leaders and managers must be able to balance these differences and work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Question 3

Forces of magnetism include:

A) quality of nursing leadership.
B) professional development.
C) centralized decision making.
D) quality of nursing leadership and centralized decision making.
E) quality of nursing leadership and professional development.

Answer 3

E

Question 4

Forces of magnetism include which of the following?

A) Organizational structure
B) Interdisciplinary relationships
C) Quality of care
D) All of these are correct.
E) None of these is correct.

Question 5

A nurse has a caseload that includes the population of patients who have had a total hip replacement. Which method of patient care delivery should be practiced by the nurse?

A) Team nursing
B) Functional nursing
C) Case management
D) Task nursing
E) None of these is correct.

Question 6

The nurses on a busy medical-surgical unit have decided to change to a team nursing approach to patient care. Which of the following is an advantage of team nursing?

A) Unlicensed assistive personnel can carry out some of the functions that do not require a registered nurse's expertise.
B) The registered nurse provides all care to the same patient or patients for the entire shift.
C) Tasks can be carried out that require several persons because an assigned team is readily available.
D) Unlicensed assistive personnel can carry out some of the functions that do not require a registered nurse's expertise and the registered nurse provides all care to the same patient or patients for the entire shift.
E) Unlicensed assistive personnel can carry out some of the functions that do not require a registered nurse's expertise and tasks can be carried out that require several persons because an assigned team is readily available.

Question 7

A nurse on an oncology unit speaks up for the patient to ensure the patient's autonomy in relation to treatment options. Which role does the nurse demonstrate?

A) Manager
B) Advocate
C) Leader
D) Researcher
E) None of these is correct.

Question 8

Which of the following is essential for the nurse to be an effective patient advocate?

A) Be assertive knowing that the nurse's primary responsibility is to the patient.
B) Recognize the patient's values and preferences as more important than the healthcare providers' values and preferences.
C) Ensure adequate information is provided so that patients and families can make informed decisions.
D) Be aware that moral or ethical conflicts can arise that require consultation or negotiation among healthcare providers.
E) All of these are correct.

Question 9

What competency is required for nurse leaders in a complex adaptive system?

A) Ability to assess systems
B) Silo thinking
C) Ability to accept ambiguity
D) Ability to assess systems and silo thinking
E) Ability to assess systems and to accept ambiguity

Question 10

The concept of delegation is associated with which nursing role?

A) Manager
B) Researcher
C) Caregiver
D) Advocate
E) None of these is correct.

Question 11

In which model is the nurse responsible for planning and coordinating the patient's care throughout the length of stay on the unit?

A) Team nursing
B) Primary nursing
C) Functional nursing
D) Task nursing
E) None of these is correct.

Question 12

Which of the following represents a key feature of case management?

A) Collaboration of the teams
B) Continuous quality improvement system
C) Critical pathways
D) Management of patient group
E) All of these are correct.