The nurse manager used variable staffing for a 25-bed postoperative unit at full capacity.
On the unit, there were four patients who had undergone total knee replacement and four who had undergone total hip replacement who required blood transfusions. What kind of variable staffing mix would the nurse manager most likely use?
a. Allregistered nurse (RN) staffing
b. One RN, two licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and four unlicensed personnel
c. One RN, one LPN, and five unlicensed personnel
d. One RN, four LPNs, and two unlicensed personnel
Question 2Functions to support quality patient care should be considered by both the organization and the nurse manager of the unit when staffing levels are determined.
Which of the following is a staffing principle that relates to nurses rather than to the organization?
a. Organizational policy should reflect the valuing of employees.
b. Patient needs should determine the required clinical competencies.
c. Documented competencies for staff should be maintained.
d. Policies should recognize the needs of both patients and staff.
Question 3Some institutions have initiated variable staffing patterns as a response to the nursing shortage. Which of the following staffing patterns lowers the cost per patient-day?
a. 10-hour shifts
b. 12-hour shifts
c. 8-hour shifts
d. Baylor plan/weekend option
Question 4Centralized scheduling has many advantages, including which of the following?
a. Managers have authority.
b. Some managerial time is freed up for other activities.
c. Staffing is less complicated.
d. Employees can receive individualized treatment.
Question 5Various scheduling and staffing methods have advantages and disadvantages for personnel. When new graduates enter the workforce, they are more likely to be given undesirable work schedules if what type of scheduling system is used?
a. Self-scheduling
b. Rotating work shifts
c. Permanent shifts
d. Block, or cyclical, scheduling
Question 6Some organizations have used a number of flexible staffing options to make it easier to recruit and retain nurses. Which of the following is an example of a flexible option?
a. 8-hour shifts
b. Cross-training
c. Variable staffing
d. Weekend staffing
Question 7When nurse managers are given authority and assume responsibility, they can staff their own units through decentralized scheduling. What is one effect of decentralized scheduling?
a. There is no individualized treatment.
b. Cost containment is facilitated.
c. Cost containment is more difficult.
d. Staffing is easier.
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