Interview a nurse manager to explore the external factors that influence decision making such as health policy, regulatory requirements, accreditation, and health care financing.
Provide an overview of the role of the nurse manager interviewed. Summarize the information from the interview (do not report the interview question by question)
Perceptions related to impact on health policy on decision. Perceptions related to impact of regulatory agencies on decision making. Perceptions related to impact of health care financing on decision making.
Analysis of the interview supported by the literature.
Full Answer Section
Regulatory Agencies: Regulatory agencies like The Joint Commission set standards for patient care and safety. [Name of Nurse Manager] emphasized the importance of staying updated on these regulations and ensuring all staff members are trained on the latest protocols. Regular audits from these agencies can influence staffing decisions and resource allocation to address identified areas for improvement.
Healthcare Financing: The current healthcare financing system, heavily reliant on insurance reimbursement, plays a major role in decision-making. [Name of Nurse Manager] expressed concern about the pressure to reduce costs while maintaining quality care. This can lead to difficult choices, such as limiting use of certain supplies or equipment perceived as non-essential, even if they could improve patient outcomes.
Analysis:
The interview aligns with research on external factors influencing nursing leadership. Studies by [Reference 1] and [Reference 2] highlight how health policy changes and regulations directly impact staffing models, resource allocation, and ultimately, patient care delivery. The financial constraints imposed by the healthcare financing system are also well documented in literature by [Reference 3]. Nurse managers navigate a complex environment where decisions often require balancing quality care with financial realities.
Sample Answer
Nurse Manager Overview:
I had the pleasure of interviewing [Name of Nurse Manager], who has over 15 years of experience as a registered nurse and currently manages a team of nurses in the [Unit] department at [Hospital Name]. [He/She] is responsible for staff scheduling, performance evaluations, patient care coordination, and ensuring the unit adheres to all relevant policies and regulations.
Summary of the Interview:
Health Policy: [Name of Nurse Manager] highlighted the significant impact of health policy on decision-making. Policies like mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios or changes in reimbursement for specific procedures directly influence staffing levels and resource allocation within the unit. For example, a policy promoting preventative care might necessitate hiring more nurses with specific skills to conduct screenings or patient education sessions.