A nurse manager knows that the initial step in addressing an employee with a disciplinary issue usually involves:

Choice A Reason:

Activate the fire alarm. The nurse’s top priority in this situation should be to activate the fire alarm. This action ensures that the entire facility is alerted to the fire, allowing for a coordinated and timely response. Activating the fire alarm initiates the emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and the arrival of the fire department. This step is crucial because it addresses the safety of all individuals in the facility, not just those in the immediate vicinity of the fire. By activating the fire alarm, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the danger and can take appropriate action to protect themselves.

Choice B Reason:

Move any clients in the immediate vicinity. While moving clients in the immediate vicinity is important, it is not the top priority. This action addresses the safety of those closest to the fire but does not alert the rest of the facility to the danger. Without activating the fire alarm first, other staff members and clients may remain unaware of the fire, potentially putting more people at risk. Therefore, while moving clients is a necessary step, it should follow the activation of the fire alarm to ensure a comprehensive response to the emergency.

Choice C Reason:

Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Using a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a valid action, but it should not be the nurse’s top priority. Attempting to extinguish the fire without first alerting others can be dangerous, especially if the fire spreads quickly or if the nurse is unable to control it. Activating the fire alarm ensures that help is on the way and that evacuation procedures are initiated. Once the fire alarm is activated, the nurse can then attempt to use a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

Choice D Reason:

Close the fire doors on the unit. Closing the fire doors is an important step in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading. However, this action should come after the fire alarm has been activated. Closing the fire doors without alerting others to the fire may delay the overall response and evacuation efforts. By activating the fire alarm first, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the fire and can take appropriate actions, including closing fire doors as part of the containment strategy.

Choice A Reason:

Providing the staff member the opportunity to disagree with the evaluation is a crucial aspect of a fair and transparent performance appraisal process. This approach allows for open communication and ensures that the staff member feels heard and respected. It also provides an opportunity for the nurse to address any misunderstandings or discrepancies in the evaluation. This practice can lead to a more constructive and positive appraisal experience, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

Choice B Reason:

Conducting the performance appraisal in a public setting to ease tension is inappropriate. Performance appraisals should be conducted in a private and confidential setting to ensure that the staff member feels comfortable discussing their performance openly. A public setting can lead to embarrassment and discomfort, which can hinder honest communication and negatively impact the appraisal process.

Choice C Reason:

Evaluating how well employees were able to perform duties outside of their job description is not a standard practice in performance appraisals. The focus should be on assessing the staff member’s performance based on their defined roles and responsibilities. While flexibility and willingness to take on additional tasks can be noted, the primary evaluation should be based on the core duties of the job.

Choice D Reason:

Initiating a random time to conduct the performance appraisal to ensure authentic responses by the staff member is not recommended. Performance appraisals should be scheduled in advance to allow both the evaluator and the staff member to prepare adequately. This preparation ensures a thorough and thoughtful evaluation process. Random appraisals can lead to anxiety and may not provide an accurate reflection of the staff member’s performance.