Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What conclusion should an administrator draw if the director of nursing tries to delegate duties to housekeeping?

1. Acting out of frustration

2. Seeking to reduce operational costs

3. Behaving normally

4. Unable to handle the workload

The correct answer is: Behaving normally

In this scenario, the correct conclusion is that the director of nursing is behaving normally by attempting to delegate duties where appropriate. Delegation is a fundamental aspect of effective management in healthcare facilities. It allows for a more efficient workflow, as it enables staff to focus on their primary responsibilities while ensuring that other necessary tasks are still completed. In the context of a nursing home, it is common for healthcare professionals, including nursing directors, to recognize the importance of teamwork. By suggesting delegation to housekeeping, the director may be trying to streamline operations, promote collaboration, and ensure that the care environment is maintained effectively. Delegation, when executed appropriately, reflects an understanding of the abilities of different staff members and the need for cooperation among various departments to achieve the overall goal of providing high-quality patient care. The other choices suggest negative or atypical motivations which do not align with the professional standards expected of a nursing director. For instance, acting out of frustration implies an inability to manage stress effectively, while seeking to reduce operational costs can be relevant but is not the fundamental reasoning behind delegation. Similarly, indicating that the director is unable to handle the workload does not consider the strategic aspect of delegation as a common practice among effective leaders.