*  Assume you are working in the charge nurse role. One of the staff assigned to work with you becomes ill and must go home suddenly, leaving his designated patient assignment to be assumed by someone else. As a charge nurse, what factors would you consider as you determine how to reassign this work to other nurses? If you were a co-worker on the shift instead of the charge nurse, what effective follower behaviors might you demonstrate to support the charge nurse in this situation? Can you identify behaviors of co-workers that would complicate the staffing situation further? 

ANSWER

As a charge nurse, here are the factors I would consider when reassigning the workload of an ill staff member:

Patient acuity and needs: The first priority is to ensure that the most critical patients continue to receive the care they need. I would assess the acuity and needs of each patient on the unit and prioritize reassigning the care of the most critical patients to the most experienced and qualified nurses available.

Nurse experience and skill set: I would consider the experience and skill set of each nurse when reassigning tasks. For example, I would not assign a complex task to a nurse who is unfamiliar with it. I would also try to match the skill set of each nurse to the needs of the patients they are caring for.

Nurse workload and availability: I would review the workload of each nurse to ensure that they are not already overloaded. I would also check the availability of each nurse to see if they have any time conflicts or other commitments that would prevent them from taking on additional tasks.

Nurse preferences and expertise: If possible, I would try to consider the preferences and expertise of each nurse when reassigning tasks. For example, if a nurse has expressed interest in caring for a particular type of patient, I would try to accommodate that request.

As a co-worker on the shift, here are some effective follower behaviors I might demonstrate to support the charge nurse in this situation:

Offer to help: Let the charge nurse know that you are willing to help in any way that you can. This could include taking on additional tasks, providing assistance with patient care, or simply being a sounding board for the charge nurse.

Be flexible and adaptable: Be willing to change your plans and take on additional tasks as needed. This flexibility will be essential in helping the charge nurse manage the unexpected workload.

Communicate effectively: Keep the charge nurse informed of any concerns or issues that you may have. Be clear and concise in your communication, and avoid making unnecessary demands on the charge nurse’s time.

Be positive and supportive: Maintain a positive attitude and offer encouragement to the charge nurse. This will help to create a supportive and productive work environment.

Here are some behaviors of co-workers that would complicate the staffing situation further:

Complaining or whining: This will only add to the stress of the situation and make it more difficult for the charge nurse to do their job.

Refusing to help: This will leave the charge nurse with even more work to do and may jeopardize the care of the patients.

Going to the manager or supervisor: This should be a last resort, as it will only create more conflict and make the situation worse.

Gossiping or spreading rumors: This will only make the situation more stressful for everyone involved and may damage the reputation of the unit.