Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

How can the CNL best support a novice nurse who is overwhelmed on the unit?

1. Decrease the novice nurse's patient assignment

2. Assist with morning medications for the nurse

3. Pull the nurse off the unit during her shift

4. Meet after the shift to discuss organization

The correct answer is: Meet after the shift to discuss organization

Meeting after the shift to discuss organization is an effective approach for a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) to support a novice nurse who is feeling overwhelmed. This option allows for a reflective practice session where the novice nurse can voice specific challenges they faced during the shift. The CNL can provide guidance on prioritization, time management, and specific organizational strategies tailored to the novice nurse's experiences. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-time situations, which are vital for nursing competence. Additionally, it fosters a supportive relationship, encouraging open communication and mentoring, while also allowing the novice nurse to feel heard and understood. Other options, while they may provide temporary relief or support, do not offer the same long-term benefit of skills development. For example, decreasing the novice nurse's patient assignment could reduce immediate stress but may not teach them to manage their workload effectively in the future. Similarly, assisting with morning medications could be considered helpful in the short term but does not address overall organizational skills or decision-making. Pulling the nurse off the unit might provide a break but would not contribute to their professional growth or help them address the root of feeling overwhelmed. Thus, the focus on a reflective conversation after the shift is the most constructive and educational method