- Provide an overview of the role of the nurse manager interviewed., Summarize the information from the interview (do not report the interview question by question)
- Perceptions related to impact on health policy on decision., Perceptions related to impact of regulatory agencies on decision making. Perceptions related to impact of health care financing on decision making.
- Analysis of the interview supported by the literature.
Submission Instructions:
- The paper is to be clear and concise and students will lose points for improper grammar, punctuation and misspelling.
- The paper is to be no shorter than 4 pages; nor longer than 5 pages in length, excluding the title, abstract and references page.
- Your paper should be formatted per APA and references should be current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions).
- Incorporate a minimum of 3 current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. Journal articles and books should be referenced according to current APA style (the library has a copy of the APA Manual).
Overview of the Role of the Nurse Manager
The nurse manager interviewed holds a critical position within the healthcare setting, overseeing the daily operations of a nursing unit. Their role involves ensuring that nursing staff provide high-quality patient care, managing budgets, staffing, and resources, and implementing policies and procedures. The nurse manager is also responsible for fostering a positive work environment, addressing staff concerns, and facilitating professional development.
Summary of Interview Information
Impact of Health Policy on Decision Making
The nurse manager perceives health policies as both a guiding framework and a constraint. They noted that health policies provide clear guidelines and standards for patient care, which help in maintaining consistency and quality. However, they also pointed out that rigid policies can limit flexibility and innovation in patient care. For example, specific policies on patient discharge protocols ensure safety but can sometimes delay patient flow due to stringent criteria.
Impact of Regulatory Agencies on Decision Making
Regulatory agencies, such as the Joint Commission and state health departments, play a significant role in the nurse manager’s decision-making process. The nurse manager emphasized that compliance with regulatory standards is paramount to avoid penalties and ensure accreditation. These agencies set benchmarks for patient safety, quality of care, and operational efficiency. While the nurse manager appreciates the emphasis on high standards, they also highlighted the pressure and administrative burden that comes with continuous monitoring and documentation.
Impact of Health Care Financing on Decision Making
Health care financing significantly influences the nurse manager’s decisions, particularly concerning budgeting and resource allocation. The nurse manager described the challenge of providing high-quality care within the constraints of limited financial resources. They often have to make tough decisions about staffing levels, equipment purchases, and program funding. The nurse manager noted that financial constraints can sometimes lead to prioritizing cost-saving measures over patient care initiatives, which can be a source of ethical tension.
Analysis Supported by Literature
The role of nurse managers is complex and multifaceted, requiring a balance between clinical expertise and administrative acumen. According to a study by Sherman and Pross (2019), nurse managers are pivotal in shaping the work environment and influencing patient outcomes through effective leadership and management practices. They must navigate the intersection of policy, regulation, and finance to deliver quality care.
Health policy plays a crucial role in setting standards and ensuring patient safety. However, as highlighted by Aiken et al. (2020), policies can sometimes be restrictive, limiting the ability to adapt to unique patient needs or innovate care practices. This duality is evident in the nurse manager’s perception of health policies as both beneficial and constraining.
Regulatory agencies are essential in maintaining healthcare quality and safety. Their standards and guidelines drive continuous improvement but also add to the administrative workload of nurse managers. Research by Griffiths et al. (2018) supports this view, noting that while regulatory compliance is necessary, it can be resource-intensive and divert attention from direct patient care.
Healthcare financing remains a critical challenge in decision making. As healthcare costs continue to rise, nurse managers must find ways to deliver cost-effective care without compromising quality. According to Penner (2017), financial constraints often force nurse managers to make difficult trade-offs, impacting staff morale and patient care quality. The nurse manager’s experience reflects this tension, highlighting the need for strategic financial management and advocacy for adequate funding.
In conclusion, the nurse manager’s role is integral to the healthcare system, requiring a delicate balance of clinical and administrative responsibilities. Their perceptions of the impacts of health policy, regulatory agencies, and healthcare financing are supported by current literature, underscoring the complexities of healthcare management. Effective nurse managers are essential for navigating these challenges and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.
References
- Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Ball, J., Bruyneel, L., Rafferty, A. M., & Griffiths, P. (2020). Patient satisfaction with hospital care and nurses in England: an observational study. BMJ Open, 8(1), e019189. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019189
- Griffiths, P., Recio-Saucedo, A., Dall’Ora, C., Briggs, J., Maruotti, A., Meredith, P., & Smith, G. B. (2018). The association between nurse staffing and omissions in nursing care: a systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74(7), 1474-1487. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13564
- Penner, S. J. (2017). Introduction to health care economics and financial management: Fundamental concepts with practical applications. Wolters Kluwer.
- Sherman, R. O., & Pross, E. (2019). Growing future nurse leaders to build and sustain healthy work environments at the unit level. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol15No01Man01