If a new nurse manager comes to a unit experiencing low morale and hig

QUESTION

If a new nurse manager comes to a unit experiencing low morale and high turnover, which is the priority nursing action?

1. The nurse manager should ask members of the staff privately to discuss issues on the unit.
2. The staff should be made aware that bad attitudes and poor nursing care will not be tolerated.
3. The nurse manager should begin making small changes intended to improve morale and reduce turnover.
4. Charge nurses on the unit should be encouraged to meet with the manager to determine the problems with the staff.

ANSWER:

Answer: 1

Rationale: The nurse manager needs to assess the situation before implementing any changes. While the nurse manager might make the staff aware that attitudes need to change, it is not the first priority. The charge nurses are not the only employees with whom the nurse manager needs to meet. The manager should meet with each unit member privately to discuss individual perceptions, and in this fashion be intentionally inviting to encourage optimism, respect, trust, and intentionality.