A nurse manager orders a mandatory in-service to train staff nurses on how to use a new, AI-enhanced technology. The nurse manager must emphasize to the staff that AI should never replace:

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.

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.