An organization is developing a strategy to address recent staffing shortages. Which of the following interventions BEST secures patient safety and reduces cost?
Recruiting volunteers to assist with collecting vital signs and providing basic care needs
Developing a centralized staffing pool of float nurses.
Assigning nurses from less busy units to understaffed ones, regardless of differences in patient acuity.
Implementing a mandatory overtime policy compelling nurses to cover staffing shortages.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Recruiting volunteers might seem like a cost-effective solution, it can be problematic in terms of patient safety and quality of care. Volunteers generally lack the clinical training required to perform medical tasks safely and competently. Their involvement in direct patient care could pose risks to patient safety and may not effectively address staffing shortages in a meaningful way.
B. Developing a centralized staffing pool of float nurses is a strong intervention for addressing staffing shortages while securing patient safety and managing costs. Float nurses are experienced and can be deployed to various units as needed. This strategy ensures that staffing needs are met in a flexible and efficient manner, without compromising patient care. It also helps to balance the workload and prevents burnout among regular staff.
C. Assigning nurses from less busy units to understaffed ones can be effective, but it must be done with consideration for patient acuity. Nurses need to be assigned based on their skills and the needs of the unit to ensure that patient safety is maintained. If nurses from less busy units are assigned to areas with higher acuity patients without proper training or experience, it could compromise patient care and safety.
D. Implementing a mandatory overtime policy can address short-term staffing shortages but often leads to staff dissatisfaction, burnout, and decreased quality of care. Compelling nurses to work extra hours can negatively impact their well-being and job satisfaction, potentially leading to higher turnover rates and increased costs associated with recruiting and training new staff.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This description fits a patient classification system, but it doesn’t specifically define a prototype evaluation system. Patient classification systems, like the Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) or the Patient Classification System (PCS), categorize patients to predict care needs and allocate resources.
B. This description fits an advanced scheduling or staffing system, which uses algorithms to manage schedules based on certain rules. While it involves evaluation and planning, it’s focused on staffing and scheduling rather than evaluating prototypes specifically. Prototype evaluation systems generally involve assessing and refining models or systems, not just scheduling.
C. A formula-driven approach to calculating nursing productivity involves measuring efficiency and performance based on predefined formulas. While this relates to evaluation, it is not specifically about prototype evaluation
D. This describes a system that rates patient care activities based on workload, which can be part of a classification or workload measurement system. However, it does not directly relate to a prototype evaluation system, which is more focused on assessing and refining prototypes rather than rating individual activities.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Educating the patient about their diagnosis is an important aspect of promoting patient engagement. It helps the patient understand their condition and empowers them to participate in their care.
B. Advising the patient on which treatment options to choose can be problematic. While the student might have the best intentions, making specific recommendations about which treatment options the patient should choose crosses into the realm of providing medical advice, which is typically the role of the healthcare provider or physician. This action may undermine the patient's autonomy and their ability to make informed decisions about their own care.
C. Arranging for a doctor to visit the patient and family to assist in making treatment decisions is a supportive and appropriate action. It helps ensure that the patient and family have the necessary information and support to make informed decisions about treatment options.
D. Asking the patient about their preferences concerning treatment decisions is a key aspect of promoting patient engagement. It involves respecting the patient's autonomy and involving them in their care decisions. This action supports patient-centered care and engagement, so it does not indicate a need for further teaching.
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