A nurse manager in the pediatric intensive care unit recognizes that when conveying information to parents of a critically ill child, the following action should be prioritized:

Choice A Reason:

Saying “You have been very inconsiderate of others by not completing your share of the work” is confrontational and accusatory. This approach can lead to defensiveness and conflict rather than a constructive conversation. Effective communication in nursing should be respectful and focused on resolving issues collaboratively.

Choice B Reason:

“I need to speak with you about unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks” is the most appropriate statement. It is direct yet respectful, focusing on the expectations and standards of the unit rather than personal shortcomings. This approach opens the door for a constructive dialogue about performance and responsibilities, which is essential for resolving the issue and improving teamwork.

Choice C Reason:

“If you don’t do your share of the work, I will have to inform the nurse manager” is a threat and can create a hostile work environment. While it is important to address performance issues, using threats can escalate the situation and damage professional relationships. Constructive feedback should aim to support improvement rather than instill fear.

Choice D Reason:

“Several staff members have commented that you don’t do your fair share of the work” relies on hearsay and can be perceived as gossip. This approach can undermine trust and does not address the issue directly. It is more effective to focus on specific behaviors and expectations rather than what others have said.

Choice A Reason:

Navigate the workday without a strategy. Navigating the workday without a strategy is counterproductive and can lead to inefficiency and increased stress. Effective time management requires planning and prioritizing tasks to ensure that important responsibilities are addressed promptly. Without a strategy, nurse managers may find themselves overwhelmed and unable to meet their goals.

Choice B Reason:

Delay important tasks until they are motivated to begin them. Delaying important tasks until motivation strikes is a poor time management practice. Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines and increased pressure as tasks pile up. Instead, nurse managers should prioritize their tasks and tackle important ones first, even if they do not feel motivated at the moment.

Choice C Reason:

Only accept projects that exactly fit their specifications. While it is important to take on projects that align with one’s skills and goals, being too selective can limit opportunities for growth and collaboration. Nurse managers should be open to projects that may not fit perfectly but still offer valuable experience and contribute to the team’s objectives.

Choice D Reason:

Refuse requests that do not align with their priorities. This is the most effective time management strategy. By refusing requests that do not align with their priorities, nurse managers can focus on tasks that are most important and relevant to their goals. This approach helps prevent overcommitment and ensures that their time and energy are directed towards activities that have the greatest impact.