Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

For effective performance management, what should be prioritized?

1. Monitoring competition among teams

2. Using performance improvement to enhance patient safety

3. Encouragement of individual achievement

4. Emphasizing hierarchical communication

The correct answer is: Using performance improvement to enhance patient safety

Prioritizing the use of performance improvement to enhance patient safety is essential for effective performance management in healthcare settings. This approach directly aligns with the core mission of healthcare organizations, which is to provide safe, high-quality care to patients. By focusing on performance improvement strategies, a nurse manager can implement evidence-based practices that not only assess current performance but also drive continuous enhancements to safety protocols and patient outcomes. Emphasizing patient safety establishes a culture of care that values and prioritizes the well-being of patients, fostering an environment where team members are motivated to identify risks, address issues promptly, and learn from incidents. This focus on performance improvement encourages the utilization of data-driven decisions to recognize trends, evaluate processes, and implement changes that lead to better safety outcomes. In addition, integrating performance improvement initiatives helps in developing systematic approaches to quality care, ultimately contributing to more effective communication and collaboration among staff members as they work together toward the shared goal of patient safety.