Author Question: The novice nurse manager is questioning the experienced nurse manager regarding budgeting ... (Read 45 times)

itsmyluck · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

The novice nurse manager is questioning the experienced nurse manager regarding budgeting activities. Which of the following statements by the novice nurse manager indicates that further education is required?

1. I will put the unit's new bariatric beds on the unit's capital budget.
2. My operating budget should be used to buy the supplies that we use daily for the clients.
3. I can expect to perform budgeting activities on a set schedule.
4. The new copier and fax machine will be placed on the unit's operating budget.

Question 2

A nurse manager is currently working on several large projects. The nurse manager is feeling very anxious. This manager usually works on the unit instead of in the office.

Which of the following methods can be used by the nurse manager to help alleviate anxiety?
1. Allow one project to fall behind while finishing the others.
2. Take a sick day to work on the projects uninterrupted at home.
3. Maintain a structured schedule in the office based on identified project priorities.
4. Elicit assistance from staff members to help complete the projects.

Animal_Goddess · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4

Rationale: Organizational objectives can be met through appropriate budgeting. A capital budget is used to buy major purchases. An operating budget is used to buy things that are routinely needed on the unit. Bariatric beds, copiers, and fax machines are examples of major purchases that should not need to be replaced every year. These items should be purchased through the capital budget. Dressing supplies, paper, pens, and toner are all examples of items that should be purchased through the operating budget.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

Rationale: The best way to optimize time is for the nurse manager to spend time in the office working. The staff members can handle routine unit-specific tasks. The nurse manager cannot be present on each shift to help the staff members. It is not appropriate to allow a project to fall behind while working on another project. The nurse manager should not have to take a sick day to get things done. The nurse manager should not have to rely on staff members to perform tasks related to the nurse manager's projects. The staff members have other specific tasks to perform on the unit. The nurse manager needs to learn how to manage time more effectively by increasing the amount of work that can be delegated to others, avoiding excessive supervision activities, and spending less time on the unit and more time in the office.