NURSING ADMINISTRATION2 Question 1 Time is a very valuable asset but most people still do not use their time effectively. Several time- wasters prevent individuals from appropriately managing their time. One of the most common time-wasters is a lack of specific and straightforward goals and objectives. Lack of goals leads to a lack of direction, thus leading to time wastage. The best solution for this time-waster is by setting priorities. One needs to have something like a to-do list that defines the things they intend to achieve within a specified period (Darden, 2015). Another time-waster is a lack of self- discipline and personal organization. As a result, one lacks control of their choices and habits. A perfect solution is by changing one’s perception of their willpower and believing more in their abilities. The third time-waster is scheduled and unscheduled meetings. A perfect solution to this time-waster is by setting specific time-lengths for any meeting (Darden, 2015). As a result, no one will be extending the meetings beyond your time-lengths. Interruptions from people and electronics is another time-waster. This can be solved by eliminating distractions through the use of cubicles, to help one to focus on their work. Question 2 Cross-training is a very important strategy in today’s world when it comes to employee recruitment. It, however, has benefits and disadvantages. One of the benefits of cross-training is an improvement in the morale of the employee. This is because employees are engaged in more tasks, thus giving them a feeling of professional growth (Vasanthi & Basariya, 2017). Another benefit is that cross-training reduces the cost of hiring new employees. Due to cross-training, there is increased flexibility within the organization, thus giving room for internal promotion. Cross-training also ensures that productivity is not massively affected even with a shortage of manpower. This is because one can easily fill in a role that has a shortage (Vasanthi & Basariya,
NURSING ADMINISTRATION3 2017). There are, however, instances when cross-training can lead to job dissatisfaction. This is because employees may feel that they are being given additional responsibilities with no additional pay. Another downside of cross-training is that it can lead to unhealthy competition at the workplace (Vasanthi & Basariya, 2017). This is because an employee may feel that their job is being threatened and they may go to extreme ends to keep the job. Question 3 As the head of the nurse unit, I would employ the self-scheduling technique. In this strategy, the responsibility of the scheduling lies with the staff. My job as the head of the nurse unit is just to evaluate the schedule and determine whether it will suit patient needs. This scheduling technique is important because it allows the staff members to choose a time that they are comfortable with. As a result, job satisfaction is realized (Russell, Hawkins & Arnold, 2012). If the nurses are satisfied with their jobs, then delivery of care will be better, thus leading to better health outcomes. Additionally, skiving is reduced because nurses have the freedom of choosing the shifts they would love to work in based on their free time and other commitments.
NURSING ADMINISTRATION4 References Darden, D. C. (2015). Time Wasting Activities within the Workplace (Don't Be Apart of Them).Available at SSRN 2623378. Russell, E., Hawkins, J., & Arnold, K. A. (2012). Guidelines for successful self-scheduling on nursing units.JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration,42(9), 408-409. Vasanthi, S., & Basariya, S. R. (2017). Cross Training Employees – A Conceptual Review. Available athttp://www.ijarset.com/upload/2017/march/19_IJARSET_VASANTHI.pdf