Filling your Tool Box

Assignment 3: Scenario Analysis – Filling your Toolbox
Due at the end of Unit 10

Directions

Review the following scenarios. After reviewing the scenarios record your critical analysis of one scenario in a total of 4-6 pages double-spaced (excluding title and reference pages) . References must be in APA format (current edition). Your analysis should include references to current literature on nursing management and leadership. For example, for the situation you select choose an appropriate tool that can assist you in analyzing and solving the problem. You may select a problem-solving tool, a decision-making tool, a conflict resolution tool etc. Your textbook is a good source but you may also search for other related references.
1. Workload Worries

You are a newly hired nursing unit manager whose responsibilities include the day-to-day operation of a thirty-two bed pediatric care unit in a large tertiary care facility. Among other things, you are responsible for staffing, ensuring quality patient care and evaluating staff performance. The staff of the unit includes 15 RNs and 22 LPNS � a mix of full-time, part-time and casual staff. Your first day on the unit you become aware that some staff are unhappy with the workload. You overhear Jenny Marlone LPN complaining in the hall to Kelly Morris RN that whenever she is assigned to Team 2 she has to work twice as hard as when she is on Team 1.Further, Kelly remarks, �I am always on Team 2!� It is well known that your predecessor resigned out of frustration because he lost the support of the staff (as indicated by frequent sick calls, tardiness and lack of productivity) primarily due to what they perceived as inadequate pay for the workload.

Discuss the steps that you would take to resolve this issue.
2. Parking Protest

You are the nursing manager of a community health unit in the inner city. At the monthly staff meeting a very vocal RN, claiming to represent all employees, complains about the lack of appropriate parking for staff. Mandy, the spokesperson states, �We need our cars close by so that we can get to our community visits. It is ridiculous to have us park in a lot six blocks away.� Further Mandy threatens, �If this situation isn�t resolved to our satisfaction immediately we are going to get the union to help us.�

Discuss the steps that you would take to resolve this issue.
3. Staffing Setback

You are a manager in a small rural hospital in Northern Alberta. The August long weekend is approaching and Friday morning two RNs scheduled to work evenings over the weekend call in sick. You suspect they will both be off for at least the next three shifts. You contact all the casual staff but no one is available to work. Without replacement you will be down to one RN on evenings. Sitting at your desk you wonder out loud, “Now what am I going to do?”

Discuss the steps that you would take to resolve this issue.

Submit assignment via the Assignment dropbox � Due at the end of Unit 10

Assignment 3 Marking Guide – Scenario Analysis -Filling your Toolbox (20%)

Name �

CONTENT – Total Maximum

Clear objectives and introduction are provided.
There is a critical analysis of the scenario.
An appropriate tool is incorporated (e.g. problem-solving tool, a decision-making tool, a conflict resolution tool etc.).
References to current literature are used to support analysis.
Appropriate recommendations to resolve situation are made.
An effective conclusion is included.

Comments:

PRESENTATION – Total Maximum

Paper is informative and succinct (within page limit).
The paper is written in a well-organized way.
It is written in scholarly format with a title page, sentences, paragraphs, headings etc.
APA format (current edition) is used.
Presentation is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

TEXTBOOK:

BECOMING INFLUENTIAL: A GUIDE FOR NURSES 2/E 2013 ELEANOR SULLIVAN External tool

NURSING LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 3/E 2014 File