A manager plans to address the high turnover rate amongst RNs. Which of the following strategies might motivate the staff and lead to enhanced job satisfaction?

Choice A Reason:

A charge nurse being rude to their nurse manager when speaking can be considered unprofessional and disrespectful behavior, but it does not necessarily constitute lateral violence. Lateral violence typically involves repeated, harmful actions between colleagues of similar status. This scenario might be an isolated incident of incivility rather than a pattern of lateral violence.

Choice B Reason:

A nursing supervisor refusing to help a charge nurse with staffing could be seen as a lack of support or poor teamwork. While this behavior is problematic, it does not fit the definition of lateral violence, which involves hostile and aggressive actions between peers. This scenario reflects a failure in collaboration rather than lateral violence.

Choice C Reason:

A charge nurse speaking to an assistive personnel (AP) with a demeaning tone is an example of lateral violence. This behavior demonstrates a lack of respect and can create a hostile work environment. Lateral violence includes verbal abuse, belittling, and other forms of non-physical aggression between colleagues. This scenario fits the definition of lateral violence as it involves harmful behavior directed at a colleague.

Choice D Reason:

A nurse rolling their eyes at another nurse after providing a report is a subtle form of lateral violence. Non-verbal gestures like eye-rolling can be dismissive and disrespectful, contributing to a toxic work environment. Lateral violence can include both overt and covert actions that undermine colleagues. This scenario illustrates a non-verbal form of lateral violence.

Choice E Reason:

Bullying is a clear example of lateral violence. It involves repeated, harmful behavior intended to intimidate or demean a colleague. Bullying can take many forms, including verbal abuse, exclusion, and sabotage. This scenario is the most direct and comprehensive example of lateral violence, encompassing various harmful behaviors.

Choice A Reason:

Medication costs are a significant part of healthcare expenses, and managing these costs can contribute to overall savings. However, nurse managers typically have limited control over medication pricing and procurement, which are often handled by pharmacy departments and higher-level administration. While they can influence medication usage and waste reduction, their impact on overall cost reduction through medication management is less direct compared to staffing.

Choice B Reason:

Fixed costs, such as building maintenance, utilities, and equipment depreciation, are essential to consider in budget management. However, these costs are generally less flexible and harder to adjust in the short term. Nurse managers have limited influence over these expenses, as they are often predetermined by long-term contracts and organizational policies. Therefore, focusing on fixed costs may not yield significant immediate cost reductions.

Choice C Reason:

Staffing is the area where nurse managers can have the most significant influence on cost reduction. Effective staffing management involves optimizing nurse-to-patient ratios, reducing overtime, and ensuring that staffing levels align with patient care needs. By managing staffing efficiently, nurse managers can control labor costs, which are one of the largest expenses in healthcare. Additionally, appropriate staffing levels can improve patient outcomes and reduce turnover, further contributing to cost savings.

Choice D Reason:

Supplies are another area where nurse managers can influence cost reduction. By monitoring inventory, reducing waste, and negotiating with suppliers, nurse managers can help control supply costs. However, while managing supplies is important, the potential savings are generally smaller compared to the impact of effective staffing management.