Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Related

Review Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing related questions and content

A nurse is reading about positive reinforcement with the goal of increasing staff motivation. Which action would demonstrate positive reinforcement?

  • A. Every morning at shift change, thank each employee for an excellent job.
  • B. Rotate a monthly "employee recognition award" among all employees on the unit.
  • C. Wait until the annual performance review to recognize accomplishments.
  • D. Give spur-of-the-moment recognition to an employee who has accomplished a goal.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because giving spur-of-the-moment recognition to an employee who has accomplished a goal is an example of positive reinforcement. This action immediately follows the desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of it being repeated. This instant feedback helps reinforce the employee's behavior positively.

A: Thanking each employee every morning is a form of positive feedback, but it lacks the immediacy of reinforcement.
B: Rotating a monthly recognition award does not provide immediate reinforcement for specific behaviors.
C: Waiting for an annual review to recognize accomplishments does not provide timely feedback to reinforce desired behaviors.