Final answer:
The charge nurse should discuss extended breaks with the nurse by referencing unit policies and inviting a conversation about break times, emphasizing the importance of following established guidelines for fairness and patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most professional and constructive approach for a charge nurse to address a nurse taking extended breaks would be statement (b): I've noticed you taking longer breaks. Can we discuss the unit policies on break times? This option opens the door for a dialogue, allowing for a resolution that adheres to unit policies while also considering the nurse's perspective. It's important for staff to adhere to break times to maintain a fair workload distribution and ensure patient care is not compromised.
In the workplace scenario provided, it's crucial that healthcare workers respect unit policies, which include managing break times effectively. Tracy, by giving her colleague Noel time to reflect and inviting a discussion, exemplifies the kind of leadership that is firm yet understanding, prioritizing team culture and cooperation. Similarly, the charge nurse should also demonstrate understanding, upholding the policy, and respecting the authority of management.