When supervising a new graduate LPN who is responsible for colostomy care but mentions having limited experience and performs the task slowly, what should be your most appropriate action as the supervisor?

Choice A Reason:

Inspiring others to work well is a critical leadership strength in nursing. Effective nurse leaders motivate their team members, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging high performance. This inspiration can lead to improved patient care, higher job satisfaction, and better team cohesion. Leaders who inspire their teams can help create a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, which is essential in the dynamic field of healthcare.

Choice B Reason:

Developing total self-sufficiency is not typically a primary leadership strength in nursing. While self-sufficiency is important, nursing is inherently a collaborative profession. Effective nurse leaders recognize the value of teamwork and interdependence among healthcare professionals. They focus on building strong, supportive teams rather than promoting complete self-sufficiency.

Choice C Reason:

Guarding against the tendency of others is a vague statement and does not clearly define a leadership strength. Effective nurse leaders focus on guiding and supporting their team members rather than guarding against their tendencies. Leadership in nursing involves understanding and managing team dynamics, providing mentorship, and fostering professional growth.

Choice D Reason:

Understanding the nuances is important but not a standalone leadership strength. It is part of a broader set of skills that include critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication. While understanding nuances is valuable, it is not as impactful as the ability to inspire and motivate others in a leadership role.

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.