Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing related questions and content

A novice nurse is in the "rejection phase" of stress and wonders if she made the right decision when deciding nursing was her chosen career. Which strategy would help the novice nurse cope with transition into practice and reduce stress?

  • A. When asked by the charge nurse to accept the new admission even though she had no discharges, the novice nurse stops and considers if this request is acceptable and safe, then accepts the assignment based on two patients having a low acuity level.
  • B. Refusing to eat anywhere but the hospital cafeteria to ensure a balanced diet and time to socialize with other staff and visitors.
  • C. Avoid wasting time by listening to coworkers' problems or ideas on how to staff the unit during the upcoming holiday since the novice nurse's time is valuable and better spent getting her own work completed.
  • D. Make an effort to "win over" hostile or angry coworkers who find fault with the novice nurse's work performance.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates a proactive and thoughtful approach to decision-making. By stopping to consider the request and assessing its safety implications before accepting it based on patient acuity levels, the novice nurse is prioritizing patient safety and her own capabilities. This strategy helps her cope with the transition into practice by promoting critical thinking and confidence in her decision-making skills.

Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Refusing to eat anywhere but the hospital cafeteria may lead to social isolation and restrict the novice nurse's ability to engage with others outside of work.
C: Ignoring coworkers' problems or staffing ideas can create a negative work environment and hinder teamwork, potentially increasing stress levels for the novice nurse.
D: Focusing on winning over hostile coworkers may detract from the novice nurse's professional growth and cause unnecessary stress from seeking validation from others.