Question

The nursing supervisor is assessing a unit that has received several written complaints. The nurse manager seems overwhelmed and stressed trying to address many client situations. The charge nurse is trying to help everyone at once. Based on this assessment, what might this supervisor conclude?

A. The nurse manager is inexperienced and needs time to adjust.
B. The unit culture may foster distrust and poor communication among staff.
C. Client complaints are usually an indicator of a larger unit problem.
D. Nurses on the unit are in need of additional training and skills.
E. The unit is short staffed.

Answer 1

The supervisor might conclude that client complaints indicate a larger unit problem including work overload, unsatisfactory supervision, unsafe work conditions, poor management communication, lack of positive feedback, and staff burnout.

The nursing supervisor assessing a unit with multiple written complaints, a stressed nurse manager, and an overextended charge nurse might conclude that C. Client complaints are usually an indicator of a larger unit problem. Furthermore, this situation often points to underlying issues such as work overload, unsupportive supervision, and possibly an unsafe work environment. It could also hint at systemic issues such as poor management communication, lack of positive feedback, and employees' frustration with bureaucracy which can contribute to a work culture riddled with distrust and poor communication, as well as potential staff burnout.