In a unionized hospital, nurses receive compensatory pay for working holidays based on the hours worked with no extra compensation. Despite management refusing to consider changes to the compensatory pay system suggested by nurses during the annual employee satisfaction survey, a trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations. What is this type of settlement known as?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mediation. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps facilitate communication and negotiation between conflicting parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. In this scenario, the trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations, which aligns with the definition of mediation. Collective bargaining (A) involves negotiations between labor unions and management to reach a legally binding collective agreement. Grievance (C) is a formal complaint resolution process within the organization. Binding arbitration (D) is a process where a neutral third party makes a final and binding decision to resolve a dispute. In this case, the involvement of a trend member making non-legally binding recommendations indicates the use of mediation as the type of settlement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Nurses prioritize patient care and professionalism, making them hesitant to engage in strikes that may disrupt patient care. This is because strikes can be perceived as conflicting with their duty to serve and protect clients. Choice B is incorrect because nurses may not base their decision to strike solely on evidence-based studies; their decision is more likely influenced by ethical considerations and personal values. Choice C is incorrect as nurses engaging in strikes are usually protected by labor laws and regulations, which allow them to participate in organized strikes without facing legal punishment for professional misconduct. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses do prioritize patient safety, they do not primarily resort to strikes as a means to emphasize safety initiatives; instead, they typically focus on other strategies such as advocacy and communication to address safety concerns.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because binding arbitration involves a formal process where an arbitrator's decision is final and binding on both parties. This means that both labor and management must adhere to the arbitrator's decision, making it a legally enforceable resolution. Choice A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB; it is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Choice B is incorrect because mediation does not involve a final decision-maker; it focuses on facilitating negotiations and helping parties communicate and reach a resolution on their own terms. Choice D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not require both parties to engage in discussions to find a resolution; instead, it involves the arbitrator making a final decision that both parties must accept.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Accrediting agencies like the Joint Commission ensure quality care by confirming the delivery of satisfactory care. This involves evaluating healthcare facilities based on established standards and guidelines to ensure they meet quality benchmarks. Imposing maximum staffing levels (A) and stipulating nurse-patient ratios (B) are important factors but not directly controlled by accrediting agencies. Requiring a specific staff mix (D) may influence care quality, but it is not the primary focus of accrediting agencies. Therefore, choice C is correct as it directly aligns with the main function of accrediting agencies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Customer satisfaction is primarily based on personal interactions with employees because positive interactions create a sense of trust, empathy, and understanding. Customers value feeling valued and appreciated by staff, which directly impacts their overall experience. In contrast, access to modern facilities and wide menu selection may enhance satisfaction, but they are secondary factors. Having to undergo fewer invasive procedures is irrelevant in the context of customer satisfaction in most industries.