A nurse manager conducts rounds on the unit and discovers that expired stock medicine is still in the cabinet despite the e-mail she sent stating that it had to be discarded

Question

The staff nurse dress code is not being adhered to, and the staff lounge is not kept neat and tidy as she requested in the same e-mail. Several staff nurses deny having received the e-mail. After evaluating this situation, one way the nurse manager could resolve the issue is to
a. Include the findings on each staff member's annual evaluation.
b. Close the staff lounge.
c. Enforce a stricter dress code.
d. Place a hard copy of announcements and unit policies in each staff member's mailbox.

Answer 1

ANS: D
The identified problem is lack of staff communication. Therefore, the answer pertaining to communication is the correct answer. Staff communication is a challenge for managers, but using a variety of approaches can help. Sending an e-mail was not effective; therefore, giving each staff member a hard copy along with e-mailing is another approach the manager can take. Including the findings on evaluations, closing the lounge, and enforcing stricter dress codes do not address the problem and offer a proposed solution. An effective nurse manager uses a variety of approaches to communicate quickly and accurately with all staff.