A new nurse manager asks to see the Joint Commission manual in ...

[ashley]

A new nurse manager asks to see the Joint Commission manual in order to determine adequate staffing for the next shift. How should the supervisor respond to this request?
 
  1. The Joint Commission manual is kept with the other unit manuals.
  2. For that information you will need to refer to the human resources department's policy on employment manual.
  3. You need to look at the policy and procedure manual for the organization, not the Joint Commission manual.
  4. Before you look any further, refer to the unit's current schedule.

Question 2

The medical-surgical unit is at capacity and the clients have a high acuity, requiring care such as turning, bathing, toileting, and feeding. Which level of supplementary staff would be cost-effective?
 
  1. Additional registered nurses
  2. Additional unit clerks
  3. Additional licensed practical nurses
  4. Additional unlicensed assistive personnel

[rachel]

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale 1: While this is likely a true statement it does not get to the problem with the manager's statement.
Rationale 2: Human resources policy on employment will refer to general employment guidelines for all employees, not guidelines on staffing ratios.
Rationale 3: The policy and procedures of the organization will set staffing criteria. The Joint Commission only determines if the organization is following its own policy.
Rationale 4: The current schedule will list vacancies but not the staffing guidelines for the unit.
Global Rationale:

Answer to Question 2

4
Rationale 1: Additional RN staff would not be cost-effective for these tasks.
Rationale 2: Additional unit clerks are not likely to alleviate this staffing issue.
Rationale 3: Additional LPN staff would be less expensive than additional RN staff but are not the least expensive choice.
Rationale 4: Additional unlicensed assistive personnel could provide the care needed if supervised.
Global Rationale:

[ashley]

Gracias!

[tanna.moeller]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it