Question

A nurse manager is discussing with unit staff the repeated lack of staff compliance in documenting exercise activity for post-cardiac surgery clients. The unit's licensed practical/vocational nurses are responsible for ensuring that clients carry out the prescribed exercise regimen and that the activity is documented. Using Drucker's five basic functions of a manager, identify appropriate functions for the nurse manager to use when addressing this situation (select all that apply):

a. Divide the necessary activities into manageable tasks, so clients adhere to the exercise regimen.
b. Establish objectives and goals for each area and decide who is accountable for them.
c. Allow clients to organize the activities.
d. Engage in activities that motivate the team, and communicate effectively with the responsible staff members.
e. Analyze, appraise, and interpret the performance of responsible staff, and communicate these findings to staff management.
f. Allow clients to establish objectives and goals.

Answer 1

The nurse manager can address non-compliance in documenting post-cardiac surgery exercise by establishing objectives and responsibility, motivating and communicating with the team, and analyzing and communicating staff performance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse manager, in order to address the issue of non-compliance in documenting exercise activity for post-cardiac surgery clients, can utilize several of Drucker's five basic functions of a manager. These functions aid in establishing clear protocols and accountability.

• Establish objectives and goals for each area and decide who is accountable for them. By setting clear expectations for the licensed practical/vocational nurses, the nurse manager can better ensure that they understand their documentation responsibilities and the importance of the exercise regimens for patient recovery.
• Engage in activities that motivate the team, and communicate effectively with responsible staff members. Motivation and effective communication are key to ensuring staff commitment to following through with their responsibilities. This can include discussing the importance of exercise regimens for cardiac patients and the potential consequences of not documenting them accurately.
• Analyze, appraise, and interpret the performance of responsible staff, and communicate these findings to staff management. The nurse manager should regularly review documentation compliance and discuss these findings with the team, offering positive reinforcement for compliance and addressing any barriers to documentation.

Dividing activities into manageable tasks and letting clients organize or establish objectives and goals, are not directly related to the nurse manager's role in ensuring staff compliance with documentation.