A nurse has complained to the human resources (HR) director regarding unfair treatment by the nurse’s manager.
The nurse describes receiving a written warning, unlike other nursing staff who exhibit similar behaviors but are
not reprimanded. Which concerns would the HR director discuss with the hospital chief nursing officer?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. The unusual management styles within the department
2. Confronting the manager’s direct supervisor about allowing this situation to occur
3. The apparent inconsistencies in discipline within the unit
4. The potential for litigation that arises from this complaint
5. The need to terminate this problem employee
Correct Answer: 3,4
Rationale 1: This is not just an unusual management style.
Rationale 2: The manager’s direct supervisor may be unaware that the incident happened. The supervisor should
be apprised of the complaint, but not confronted with an accusation of allowing the behavior.
Rationale 3: There is apparently an inconsistency in discipline that should be investigated.
Rationale 4: If this situation goes to court, the hospital could be found liable for the actions of the manager.
Rationale 5: The HR director should not categorize this employee as a problem until a full investigation of the
situation has been conducted.
Global Rationale:
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Safe Effective Care Environment
Client Need Sub: Management of Care
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 19-4: Discuss how to discipline an employee.
Question 24
Type: MCSA
A director must discipline an ICU manager. The director and manager have become friends. When disciplining the
manager, what is the best approach by the director?
Sullivan, Effective Leadership and Management, 8/e Test Bank
1. Notify the human resources director that the meeting will occur.
2. Include the chief nurse officer (CNO) in the session.
3. Ask a manager from another department to sit in on the meeting.
4. Discuss the issue, concentrate on the issue, and do not make it personal.
Rationale 1: Written warnings have already been issued. There is no evidence that another warning will improve
the nurse’s performance.
Rationale 2: The complaints have already been investigated. Suspension is not indicated.
Rationale 3: Since these complaints have been ongoing, even after investigation, counseling, and warnings,
termination is likely the best alternative.
Rationale 4: Transferring the nurse to another department does not address the issues.
Global Rationale:
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Safe Effective Care Environment
Client Need Sub: Management of Care
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 19-5: Describe how to terminate an employee.
Question 26
Type: MCMA
The hospital’s new management company has assigned a “leadership coach” to groups of current nurse managers.
Which statements made by a manager would the coach interpret as indicating the manager does not value this
opportunity?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. “Why do I need a coach?”
2. “I’ve been a manager longer than our coach has been a nurse.”
3. “I’m getting burned out with the way we manage.”
4. “Another new program to waste our time.”
5. “Coaching has helped my nurses improve their practice.”
Rationale 2: A statement like this may well indicate that the manager does not think that the coach has any
information that will be of benefit.
Rationale 3: A manager who is burned out with current methods may be very willing to learn new methods.
Rationale 4: When people go into a program thinking it is a waste of time, they often do not see its value.
Rationale 5: If the manager has seen improvement in practice as a result of coaching, the manager is more likely
to have a positive attitude toward the program.
Global Rationale:
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Safe Effective Care Environment
Client Need Sub: Management of Care
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Evaluation
Learning Outcome: 19-2: Discuss positive coaching.
Question 27
Type: MCMA
The manager is contemplating terminating a nurse. What should the manager consider regarding the expectations
of the job prior to proceeding with termination?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Did the nurse receive and sign for a copy of the appropriate job description when hired?
2. Was the nurse apprised of the criteria on which evaluation would be based?
3. Have any changes to policy and procedure been discussed with the nurse and made available in writing?
4. Was the nurse hired using the same documentation as others hired at the same time?
5. Have others hired during the same time period been successful?
Rationale 3: Changes to policy and procedures change practice. These changes must be made known to the staff.
Rationale 4: Just because the documentation is commonly used doesn’t make it legal or correct.
Rationale 5: While the success of others hired at the same time is interesting, it is not essential knowledge for the
manager.
Global Rationale:
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Safe Effective Care Environment
Client Need Sub: Management of Care
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Planning
Learning Outcome: 19-5: Describe how to terminate an employee.
Question 28
Type: MCSA
The manager has disciplined a nurse with a written warning. At the end of the session, the manager asks the nurse
to sign the warning and the nurse refuses. What should the manager do?
1. Tell the nurse that signing the form in mandatory.
2. Indicate on the form that the nurse declined to sign.
3. Sign the nurse’s name to the form and include the manager’s initials.
4. Complete a second warning for the nurse’s failure to follow procedure.
Client Need: Safe Effective Care Environment
Client Need Sub: Management of Care
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 19-4: Discuss how to discipline an employee.
Sullivan, Effective Leadership and Management, 8/e Test Bank
Copyright 2013 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Question 29
Type: MCMA
The manager has just terminated a nurse. What statement by the manager is appropriate?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. “You may go back to the unit to say good-bye to your coworkers.”
2. “We have cleaned out your locker and have your personal belongings ready for you.”
3. “I have notified security to escort you as you leave the building.”
4. “As of this time, you are no longer an employee of this institution.”
5. “Please do not discuss your termination with any other nurses.”
Client Need: Safe Effective Care Environment
Client Need Sub: Management of Care
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 19-5: Describe how to terminate an employee.
Question 30
Type: MCMA
A nurse is being terminated due to continued violation of hospital policy. What statements by the manager are
appropriate?
Sullivan, Effective Leadership and Management, 8/e Test Bank
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. “Your actions have been degrading to the profession.”
2. “You may wish to resign rather than being terminated.”
3. “Human resources will answer any questions you may have about benefits.”
4. “I’m sorry you could not be happy here.”
5. “You are being terminated for the policy violations I have just outlined.”