Chapter 8 – Case Study Questions
This activity contains 5 questions.
A First Experience with Complicated Performance Appraisal
Six months ago you were promoted to a nurse manager position on a surgical unit. The
first six months have been rocky with short staff, high census, high acuity, and several
critical incidents such as a medical error that led to a patient being transferred to ICU.
You have been trying to learn more about your new role. The staff seems to be accepting
of you, but a couple of nurses do not think you have enough experience. You have heard
this through the grapevine. Two of these nurses are now up for their annual performance
appraisals. The hospital uses competency-based performance appraisal. The following
briefly describes the two nurses:
a. Jane has been working on the unit for eight years longer than you. She has
experienced three nurse managers in this time period. She has a BSN. When there
You now have to prepare for both nurses’ performance appraisals.
1.
2.
What are the critical issues for each nurse that you think you should address during the
performance appraisal meetings, and how will you address them?
3.
During the meeting with Jane, she says, “I have to tell you that I think you are not an
effective nurse manager.” How would you respond to her?
Finkelman, Leadership and Management for Nurses: Core Competencies for Quality Care, 3e
4.
Sue tells you in the interview that since she got her BSN, she is better than the other
Finkelman, Leadership and Management for Nurses: Core Competencies for Quality Care, 3e
Chapter 8 – ANSWER KEY Case Study Questions
1.
[Answers may vary]
The appraiser is expected to provide an honest, thorough evaluation of an employee. This
should not be viewed as competition among staff but an evaluation of each staff
Certain types of information need to be collected to prepare for performance appraisal.
Methods that might be used are observation, maintenance of a log of observations, or
2.
[Answers may vary]
Finkelman, Leadership and Management for Nurses: Core Competencies for Quality Care, 3e
Jane:
3.
[Answers may vary]
The general format of the interview includes initial greetings and comments, review of
expectations, review of previous year’s goals, performance data and discussion with input
Finkelman, Leadership and Management for Nurses: Core Competencies for Quality Care, 3e
4.
[Answers may vary]
5.
[Answers may vary]
Jane:
• Suggest that Jane strengthen her leadership skills by attending a leadership
conference. This will allow Jane to grow as a professional yet provide her with
tools to manage her emotions, which tend to get away from her.
Sue:
• Suggest that Sue attend an in-service related to interdisciplinary communication
in order to communicate more effectively with other members of the healthcare
team.
