The nurse executive is aware that the hospital's nurse managers feel overwhelmed by e-mails, memos, and other communication throughout their day

Question

What strategies could the nurse executive employ to reduce this feeling of overload? Select all that apply. 1. Include a time frame for response in all messages sent to the managers.
2. Combine as many messages as possible into one long e-mail each day.
3. Schedule face-to-face meetings with the managers rather than communicating electronically.
4. Issue each nurse manager a cell phone for communication.
5. Examine the need to send each e-mail before sending it.

Answer 1

1, 5
Explanation: 1. If the nurse managers have a time frame in which their response is required, they can do better planning. If there is no time frame, the managers may feel that each message must be answered immediately.
2. Long, complex e-mails can be daunting in a busy environment. This strategy would lend itself to managers missing important information or requests "buried" in the e-mail with other, less important information.
3. Face-to-face conversations are nice, but take time to arrange and to complete. Electronic communication is faster and generally more efficient. Communication can take place with multiple people at one time and there is record of what is said.
4. This may not be too helpful since the nurse executive would have to call managers individually with information or set up conference calls when all managers are available.
5. E-mail is a quick and convenient method for sending out information and can be used to excess. The nurse executive should be certain that there is valid reason for sending each message.