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Glenn is an RN on a busy medical-surgical unit. He comes to work today for his usual shift after working a double shift yesterday. At the end of this day, two RNs call in, and the nurse manager tells Glenn he needs to stay and cover the next shift. Glenn may refuse to accept an assignment if________

User Guadafan
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Final answer:

Glenn can refuse to accept an assignment if doing so would compromise patient safety or his own health, which is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain high-quality care.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glenn may refuse to accept an assignment if he believes that accepting the assignment would jeopardize patient safety or his own health and well-being. In scenarios where healthcare professionals, like Glenn, are subjected to heavy workloads and excessive hours, it is crucial to recognize the risk of burnout and the negative impact it can have on both the healthcare provider and patient care. Nurses, like Glenn, have the professional responsibility to advocate for safe working conditions and to refuse assignments that extend beyond their physical or emotional capacity, as working in such conditions can lead to errors, decreased quality of care, and harm to patients.

Linking back to the illustration of Tyre, the nursing assistant, who experienced burnout due to inadequate support and unreasonable demands, it highlights the importance of healthcare workers feeling valued and having the autonomy to speak up and refuse tasks that they find unsafe or beyond their capability. Ensuring that nursing staff, like Glenn, have the ability to set boundaries and prevent overwork is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and providing high-quality patient care.

User Himmators
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