Which nursing actions will increase efficient management of client care and decrease the ramifications of the nursing shortage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Addressing the nursing shortage and improving client care efficiency requires strategic actions that bolster the workforce and optimize practice. Pursuing postlicensure education enhances nurses' skills and adaptability, enabling them to handle diverse patient needs effectively, thus reducing strain from shortages. Becoming cross-trained in other hospital areas increases flexibility, allowing nurses to cover gaps and maintain care continuity across units. Implementing evidence-based clinical pathways standardizes care with proven methods, streamlining processes and minimizing errors, which is crucial when staffing is limited. Coordinating services before discharge ensures smoother transitions, reducing readmissions and workload. Taking early retirement, however, exacerbates the shortage by reducing experienced staff, counteracting efficiency goals. These proactive measures collectively strengthen care delivery, mitigate shortage impacts, and support a resilient healthcare system.