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 A
Explanation
A. Accommodation involves giving in to the needs or desires of others, often at the expense of one’s own needs or preferences. In this scenario, Lee is accommodating Jillian’s schedule by sacrificing his own personal time to ensure she receives the coaching she needs.
B. Avoiding is a conflict management strategy where one party tries to ignore or evade the conflict, often by withdrawing from the situation. In this case, Lee is not avoiding the conflict but is actively working to resolve it by adjusting his schedule.
C. Compromising involves each party giving up something to reach a middle ground. While Lee is adjusting his schedule, he is not negotiating or finding a middle ground where both parties make concessions. Instead, he is accommodating Jillian’s needs by sacrificing his own time, which does not fit the definition of compromising.
D. Competing is a strategy where one party seeks to win the conflict at the expense of others. This involves pursuing one's own goals aggressively, often disregarding the needs or preferences of others. In this scenario, Lee is not trying to win or impose his preferences; rather, he is making a personal sacrifice to meet Jillian’s needs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Disregarding upcoming organizational changes is not advisable when developing a staffing budget. Organizational changes, such as shifts in policy, new technology implementations, or strategic initiatives, can significantly impact staffing needs
B. Measuring the amount of work performed by the unit (e.g., patient volume, acuity levels) and considering the services being offered (e.g., types of care, procedures) helps in determining the appropriate staffing levels required to meet the unit’s needs. This approach ensures that the budget reflects the actual demands and workload of the unit, leading to more accurate and effective staffing plans.
C. Understanding the competitive landscape can provide valuable insights into industry standards and practices. However, it is not the primary focus for developing a staffing budget. The staffing budget should be based on the specific needs and conditions of the unit rather than solely on what other organizations are doing.
D. Preparing work schedules several months in advance can help with planning and managing staffing levels, but it is not the primary factor in developing a staffing budget. The budget should be based on the expected workload, service demands, and overall resource needs rather than just on the timing of schedules.
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