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):

1) Divide the necessary activities into manageable tasks, so clients adhere to the exercise regimen.
2) Establish objectives and goals for each area and decide who is accountable for them.
3) Allow clients to organize the activities.
4) Engage in activities that motivate the team, and communicate effectively with the responsible staff members.
5) Analyze, appraise, and interpret the performance of responsible staff, and communicate these findings to staff management.
6) Allow clients to establish objectives and goals.

Answer 1

Using Drucker's five basic functions, the nurse manager should establish objectives and goals, engage in activities that motivate the team, and communicate findings from analyzing staff performance to address the issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario presented involves a nurse manager dealing with issues of non-compliance in documenting exercise activity for post-cardiac surgery clients. According to Drucker's five basic functions of a manager, the nurse manager should apply the following functions to address this situation:

• Establish objectives and goals for each area and decide who is accountable for them. This ensures clarity in what is expected from the staff concerning exercise regimen documentation.
• Engage in activities that motivate the team, and communicate effectively with responsible staff members to encourage compliance and address any barriers to proper documentation.
• Analyze, appraise, and interpret the performance of responsible staff, and communicate these findings to staff management to improve practices and outcomes related to patient exercise regimen adherence.

It is important to note that while the licensed practical/vocational nurses work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, they have a focus on providing dialysis treatments and other patient-directed care, which includes assessing and responding to patient needs. Effective communication and clear expectations are critical elements, as staff need to know that they are responsible for specific processes and/or outcomes, and their performance will be appraised accordingly.