Author Question: A new medical-surgical nurse manager has scheduled a nurse to return to work prior to the completion ... (Read 74 times)

viki · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

A new medical-surgical nurse manager has scheduled a nurse to return to work prior to the completion of the nurses FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).

The nurse calls and informs the manager of the inability to return to work until the completion of the leave. The manager informs the nurse that they must return to work when scheduled. What should be the nurses next action? 1. Contact a lawyer.
2. Return to work as scheduled.
3. Contact the Human Resources director.
4. Contact Nursing Administration.

Question 2

A newly hired nurse has incurred numerous amounts of absenteeism within the past two schedules. The manager has scheduled a meeting with the nurse. What other actions should the manager take in addressing the issue?

1. Have HR (human resources) present when confronting the nurse.
2. Discuss the absenteeism with the nurse and forget about the situation.
3. Discuss the issue of absenteeism and other nurses who have similar absences.
4. Document the absences, review the attendance policy, and provide a copy for the nurse.

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

Answer to Question 1

3
Explanation: 1. The employee should contact a lawyer after all attempts to rectify the situation with the
organization have been exhausted. The employee is protected by the FMLA and is entitled to
the specified leave. Human Resources arranges family/medical leaves and represents
employees best interests so their rights are not violated. The nurse may contact nursing
administration who will direct the nurse to contact Human Resources.

Answer to Question 2

4
Explanation: 1. The manager should document the absences so they can be monitored and discussed. The
manager should discuss and present the attendance policy to clarify possible misconceptions
by the nurse and to be clear about the consequences of future issues relating to absenteeism. It
is not necessary to have HR present at this time since it is the nurses first occurrence with
absenteeism. The absenteeism needs to be addressed and monitored in the future to determine
the nurses progress. It is inappropriate for the manager to discuss another employees
absences.