The manager calls a staff meeting to discuss a situation in which an anxious family member of a gravely ill patient is taking up an excessive amount of the staff’s time. The manager proposes a solution and asks for the staff’s input. What is the role of the nurse manager in this situation?

Choice A Reason:

The nurse being discharged after writing a detailed social media post discussing the alleged patient abuse could be seen as a violation of hospital policy regarding social media use and patient confidentiality. While this action might seem retaliatory, it is more likely related to the breach of confidentiality and professional conduct standards.

Choice B Reason:

The nurse being discharged after three unsuccessful attempts at progressive discipline had failed indicates that the termination was due to performance issues rather than retaliation. Progressive discipline is a standard procedure used to address performance or behavior issues, and if the nurse failed to improve, the termination would be justified based on those grounds.

Choice C Reason:

The nurse being fired after formally filing a complaint in writing to hospital administration closely resembles employer retaliation. Filing a formal complaint is a protected activity under whistleblower protection laws, and retaliating against an employee for engaging in such activity is illegal. This scenario fits the definition of retaliation as it directly follows the nurse’s protected action.

Choice D Reason:

The nurse being fired after threatening to give full details of the patient abuse to local media sources could be seen as a breach of confidentiality and professional conduct. While this action might seem retaliatory, it is more likely related to the potential harm to the hospital’s reputation and breach of confidentiality.

Choice A Reason

In this scenario, the nurse is assuming the role of a manager. By referring the family to the hospital social worker, the nurse is coordinating care and ensuring that the family receives the necessary support and resources. This action demonstrates the nurse’s ability to manage the overall care plan, delegate tasks, and utilize the expertise of other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. The managerial role involves overseeing patient care, making decisions, and facilitating communication among the healthcare team.

Choice B Reason

While the nurse’s action could also be seen as demonstrating leadership qualities, the primary role in this context is managerial. Leadership involves guiding and inspiring others, which can be part of the nurse’s responsibilities. However, the specific action of referring the family to the social worker is more aligned with managing and coordinating care rather than leading a team or initiative.

Choice C Reason

The laissez-faire leadership style is characterized by a hands-off approach, where leaders provide minimal direction and allow team members to make decisions independently. This style is not applicable in this scenario, as the nurse is actively involved in coordinating care and ensuring that the family receives appropriate support. The nurse’s proactive approach does not align with the laissez-faire style.

Choice D Reason

The role of a follower involves taking direction from others and supporting the implementation of decisions made by leaders. In this scenario, the nurse is not merely following instructions but is actively managing the situation by referring the family to the social worker. This action demonstrates initiative and responsibility, which are characteristics of a managerial role rather than a follower role.