Author Question: The nurse manager is explaining her staffing budget to the hospital administration. The manager has ... (Read 196 times)

saliriagwu · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

The nurse manager is explaining her staffing budget to the hospital administration. The manager has developed a flexible staffing grid. The administration questions the nurse as to why this grid was developed.

Which of the following is appropriate? 1. Staff would prefer to make out their own schedules.
2. Nursing shortages and salary constraints have affected staffing patterns.
3. Higher client acuity has contributed to increased staffing.
4. Block staffing allows for peaked workload hours.

Question 2

The medical surgical units census has decreased since the previous shift. The manager is reviewing the staffing grid. Which of the following factors is used to determine staffing mix?

1. Average daily census
2. Educational preparation of staff
3. Holidays and vacation time
4. Unit productivity

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

Answer to Question 1

2
Explanation: 1. Staff preferring to make their own schedules and block staffing do not affect the staffing
budget. Higher client acuity does affect staffing patterns but does not apply to budgeting
process. Nursing shortages and salary constraints do apply to the budgetary process.

Answer to Question 2

1
Explanation: 1. Average daily census assists in determining the amount of staff required for a shift.
Educational preparation is incorrect because RNs are not differentiated on the basis of whether
they are a diploma, associate degree prepared, or a baccalaureate prepared nurse. Holidays
and vacation time is incorrect because distribution of all staff is based on the overall data on
actual patient care needs, and vacation time is not factored into the determination of staffing.
Unit productivity is incorrect because unit productivity varies and is not used to determine
staffing needs.