Final answer:
The action by the nurse manager that facilitates empowerment of the nursing staff is working with the staff to set annual goals for the unit. This collaborative approach enhances the sense of ownership and autonomy among the nursing staff and increases their engagement and commitment (option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse manager plays a key role in facilitating the empowerment of the nursing staff. Among the options provided, the action that facilitates empowerment is: b. The nurse manager works with the staff to set annual goals for the unit. This approach promotes empowerment by involving the nursing staff in the decision-making process and goal-setting for their unit, which helps to increase their sense of ownership, autonomy, and satisfaction with their work. When nurses are involved in setting goals, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the success of the unit.
Other actions, such as setting policies (a), advocating for patients (c), and prioritizing patient care needs when creating assignments (d), although important, do not directly empower the nursing staff to the same extent as collaborating with them on goals, since these actions are typically more directive and do not involve the staff in decision-making to the same degree.
Hence, the answer is option b.