Which item below correctly describes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predictions by 2020?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job growth rate for RNs will surpass job growth in all other occupations by 2020. This is supported by the increasing demand for healthcare services due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology. Choice A is incorrect as the need for registered nurses is expected to continue due to the complexity of patient care. Choice C is incorrect as the need for hospital nurses is projected to increase, not decrease. Choice D is incorrect as many hospitals still struggle to achieve the required RN workforce due to various factors like turnover and retention issues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because advocating for funds to pay for nursing education and a safer work environment addresses the root causes of the nursing shortage. By securing funding for education, more individuals can enter the nursing profession. Creating a safer work environment enhances nurse retention. A is incorrect because while unions can negotiate for better benefits, it doesn't directly address the shortage by increasing the number of nurses. B is incorrect because reducing the requirements for foreign nurses may compromise the quality of care and does not address the shortage of local nurses. C is incorrect because working more hours with a higher nurse/patient ratio can lead to burnout and compromise patient safety, exacerbating the nursing shortage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because decreasing the number of patients cared for on a specific unit can improve patient outcomes by allowing nurses to provide more individualized care, reduce workload stress, and prevent errors. Staffing only 8-hour shifts (A) may not address the root cause of patient outcomes. Increasing salaries for experienced nurses (C) may improve retention but does not directly impact patient care. Increasing staffing on the evening shift (D) may help with workload distribution but does not address the overall patient load issue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide incentives for minorities and men to enter nursing. This is because increasing diversity in the nursing profession can help address shortages and improve patient care. Incentives can attract underrepresented groups and address disparities. A, determining why few black women enter graduate school, may address a specific subgroup but not the broader issue of nursing shortages. C, obtaining grant funding for faculty and scholarships, may help improve education opportunities but may not directly address the retention and recruitment of nurses. D, surveying nurses about job satisfaction, is important but may not directly address attracting more nurses into the profession or keeping them in practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: outcomes. Nursing education focused on outcomes aligns with real-world practice by emphasizing measurable results and the impact of nursing interventions on patient care. Objectives (B) are specific steps to achieve outcomes, while goals (C) are broader aims. Subjective appraisals (D) lack the objective, evidence-based focus required in nursing education. Therefore, focusing on outcomes ensures that nursing students are prepared for the demands of real-world practice.