Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What action should the administrator take regarding the nurse director's insistence on specific RN hours in the Alzheimer's wing?

1. Support the nurse director's decision

2. Review staffing needs

3. Seek a new DON

4. Consult with residents' families

The correct answer is: Seek a new DON

The administrator's decision to seek a new Director of Nursing (DON) in response to the nurse director's insistence on specific RN hours in the Alzheimer's wing indicates a deeper issue related to staffing and adherence to regulations that ensure quality care for residents. This action reflects a critical evaluation of leadership effectiveness and the alignment of staffing practices with the best interests of the residents. In the context of skilled nursing facilities, proper staffing levels are essential for meeting the comprehensive needs of residents, particularly in specialized areas like dementia and Alzheimer's care. If the nurse director is adamant about maintaining specific RN hours that potentially compromise care quality or violate regulatory standards, this could jeopardize both resident safety and the facility’s reputation. Choosing to seek a new DON suggests that the administrator is taking proactive steps to ensure that leadership supports appropriate and adequate staffing levels, which are fundamental to providing safe and effective care. This move indicates a commitment to evaluation of leadership effectiveness in relation to the healthcare needs and regulatory requirements, thereby prioritizing the residents' safety and wellbeing. In contrast, options such as supporting the nurse director's decision or reviewing staffing needs may not address potential underlying issues in nursing leadership or compliance with care standards. Consulting residents' families is valuable, but it may not directly resolve the staffing