Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

How many full-time equivalent (FTE) hours are typically calculated in one year?

1. 1600 hours

2. 1950 hours

3. 2080 hours

4. 2200 hours

The correct answer is: 2080 hours

The calculation for full-time equivalent (FTE) hours is based on the standard number of hours a full-time employee is expected to work in a year. In typical full-time employment scenarios, a full-time employee works 40 hours a week. Over the span of a 52-week year, this totals 2080 hours (40 hours/week x 52 weeks/year). Thus, it's common practice in healthcare and many other industries to consider 2080 hours as the basis for FTE calculations. This figure serves as a benchmark for staffing, budgeting, and workload management, allowing managers to properly assess workforce needs and allocate resources efficiently. Understanding this standard is crucial for any nurse leader when evaluating staff productivity and operational effectiveness.