Final answer:
The nurse-manager should prioritize ensuring there is adequate staff to meet the needs of each client when organizing staffing and scheduling. Achieving this directly impacts the quality of patient care and is supported by promoting work-life balance, minimizing overtime, and ensuring fairness in staffing decisions. Staff understanding of workplace culture and safety is also vital for effective patient care and staff well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse-manager is organizing staffing and scheduling, the primary goal should be to ensure that there is adequate staff to meet the needs of each client. This responsibility encompasses ensuring there are enough qualified staff members to provide quality patient care, fully addressing the care needs of each client. There are several factors to consider in achieving this goal, including knowledge of the staff's capabilities, patient acuity levels, and the legal nurse-to-patient ratios where applicable.
While ensuring a healthy work-life balance for staff, keeping the amount of overtime to a minimum, and fostering trust and fairness in staffing decisions are all important for maintaining staff morale and reducing burnout, these factors indirectly support the ultimate objective of meeting client needs, as a satisfied and well-rested workforce is better equipped to deliver optimal patient care.
To further enhance staffing effectiveness, managers should also focus on workplace culture, including professional development, time management, conflict resolution, and promoting work-life balance to reduce workplace stress. Employees should understand workplace safety and performance evaluations, and nurse-managers should facilitate positive relationships and initiative within the team.