Assignment task: Assume you have been head nurse of the same medical-surgical unit for nearly 20 years. One of your employees, a licensed practical nurse named Hilda, has been part of the unit's day shift for even longer than you've been head nurse. In fact, Hilda is the only original member remaining of the crew that existed when you first took over the unit.
About 6 months ago, Hilda returned to work after an extensive illness that left her noticeably changed in a number of ways. Where once she was energetic and seemed to possess considerable stamina, now the hustle and bustle of the days shift and always being on her feet and on the move seem to wear her down rapidly. You have felt a growing concern for Hilda, and for the rest of the team as well, because it has become obvious to you that Hilda is not bearing her share of the load. Other members of your already overworked crew are working extra hard to make up the difference.
Your concern reached a peak this week when three of your staff nurses came to talk to you about Hilda. Although they came with apparent reluctance - Hilda had always been well liked by both staff and patients - they were quite convinced that something had to be done for both Hilda's sake and the sake of the department. It seems that Hilda has barely been able to accomplish half of what she should be expected to do in an 8-hour shift.
Hilda only knows nursing; she has been an LPN for all of her working life. She will not be eligible for retirement for 5 more years. It is evident that you need to make a decision concerning Hilda and her apparent inability to keep up with the work.
Q1. Identify at least three alternatives (or more, if you wish) that you believe might be possible solutions.
Q2. If your initial decision is found unworkable or unacceptable, which alternative would be your second choice? Why?
Q3. Which alternative appears sufficiently workable to be the first one attempted? And what information do you need to assemble in preparing to justify your decision?