You decide to investigate facilities near your home for possible employment. Each of the following institutions has a unique approach to health care, offering varied employment opportunities.

A. Hospital A is a small community facility with Magnet designation. As you look at the organizational chart, you note that there is a unit manager (UM) who reports to the division director (DD), who then reports to the director of nursing (DON). You also note that control over nursing resides primarily with the DON, including policies, procedures, and any changes affecting nursing practice. You also note the participants in quality improvement include nurses from a variety of practice areas.

B. Hospital B is a facility with a well-known sports clinic. Athletes from all over the state travel to the clinic, which is housed next to the hospital. Although the facility is a typical hospital, whenever anyone mwntions Hospital B, the first thing that comes to mind is the sports clinic. The hospital has implemented a new policy where they only hire baccarlaureate-prepared nurses and provide reimbursement for current nurses who return to school for a baccalaureate degree.

C. Hospital C is a medium-sized facility serving a wide range of patients in the surrounding communities. They have a strong recruitment program for nurses, which includes a residency program. You note that the hospital’s organizational chart has a nurse as the vice president of Client Care Services. You also realize that the unit managers report directly yo the VP and have the authority to make decisions and create policies.

   1. Which type of health care organization is represented by each of the three hospitals?

   2. How would Hospital C benefit a new highly motivated nurse who hopes to have authority?

   3. How could Hospital A benefit a new nurse with no experience in health care?

   4. How are each of the hospitals implementing the recommendations from the Instsiute of Medicine's Report on the Future of Nursing?

   5. Review current position descriptions for a registered nurse in the newspaper or online. How does the description meet the IOM recommendation that nurses to the full extent of their educational preparation? What suggestions would you give for supporting this recommendation?

Solution: Types of Health Care Organizations:

Types of Health Care Organizations:

• Hospital A: Community hospital with Magnet designation, focusing on quality nursing care and excellence in patient outcomes.
• Hospital B: General hospital with a renowned sports clinic, emphasizing specialized care for athletes.
• Hospital C: Medium-sized facility with a wide patient base, prioritizing nursing leadership and development.

Benefits for a New Nurse at Hospital C:

• Hospital C, with a nurse as the vice president of Client Care Services and unit managers having decision-making authority, offers a conducive environment for a highly motivated nurse who aspires for authority.
• New nurses can learn directly from nursing leadership, gaining insights into decision-making processes and having opportunities to contribute to policy development.

Benefits for a New Nurse at Hospital A:

• Hospital A, with a strong emphasis on Magnet designation and quality improvement involving nurses from various practice areas, can benefit a new nurse with no prior experience.
• The collaborative environment and involvement in quality improvement initiatives provide a supportive setting for learning and professional growth.

Implementation of IOM Recommendations:

• Hospital A: Fosters nursing excellence through Magnet designation, which aligns with the IOM’s emphasis on creating environments that attract and retain well-educated nurses.
• Hospital B: By requiring baccalaureate-prepared nurses, Hospital B supports the IOM’s recommendation to increase the proportion of nurses with higher education.
• Hospital C: Empowering nurses through leadership roles and decision-making authority aligns with the IOM’s call for nurses to be full partners in healthcare leadership.

Position Descriptions and IOM Recommendations:

• Position descriptions for registered nurses should emphasize utilizing the full extent of their educational preparation, including critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Suggestions for supporting this recommendation include providing opportunities for continued education, mentorship programs, and career advancement paths for nurses to pursue higher levels of education and leadership roles.
• Descriptions should highlight responsibilities that align with IOM’s recommendations, such as involvement in care coordination, patient education, and quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, job postings could explicitly mention the organization’s commitment to supporting nurses in advancing their education and career development.