The Planning Process in Nursing Management

introduction

Solving administrative problems and making decisions are an integral part of the functions of the administrative process and can be considered as two basic activities that managers perform on an ongoing basis in their organizational units to confront undesirable situations or levels of performance that constitute an obstacle to achieving the specified goals efficiently and effectively

Charles says

•        (When we write down the details of the problem, we have obtained half of its solution)

Problem definition

·     A problem is a state of discrepancy or difference between a current or future reality and a goal we seek to achieve There are usually obstacles between reality and the target, and the obstacles may be known or unknown  

·     It is a state of dissatisfaction or tension arising from the perception of obstacles to achieving a goal or the expectation that better results can be obtained by making better and more efficient use of familiar processes and activities

·     The problem can be defined from another perspective as an unsatisfactory or undesirable result that arises from the existence of one or more known or unknown causes that require studies to be conducted to identify them so that they can be affected Problems also differ in terms of their degree of severity or impact

Problem solving concept

It is a thinking process in which an individual uses his previously acquired knowledge and skills in order to respond to the requirements of an unfamiliar situation The response is to take action that aims to resolve the ambiguity or confusion contained in the situation  

Problem solving steps

Practical steps to solve the problem

Identify and describe the problem

In solving the problem, it is defined, and this is done by reviewing the indicators, data and facts in the situation Here, management must distinguish between two things

· The real problem These include the main factors that prevent the facility from achieving a specific goal, and the goal cannot be achieved unless they are resolved

· Sub-problem It is a temporary symptom that arises as a result of the real problem and disappears when it disappears

Therefore, efforts to solve the problem should be directed to the real problem, not to its branches The first step in solving the problem is to feel its existence, and this is done by noticing a difference or deviation between the achieved results and the desired goals

Analysis of the facility's capabilities and resources

This important step is to determine the possibilities of applying solutions before thinking about them, and this is done by identifying the basic strengths and weaknesses related to the problem in the facility

Finding the causes of the problem

Problems do not arise from a vacuum, but rather have causes Usually, the causes that create a problem are multiple, and these causes may overlap and interact Therefore, supervisors must search for these causes and arrange their relative importance in causing the problem, as well as clarify the interconnected relationships between them

Develop alternative solutions

Any alternative solution should have the following characteristics

• To contribute to some degree to solving the problem, but not necessarily to solve it completely
• To be practically or financially applicable
• to be socially acceptable
• It does not create other problems even if it helps solve the main problem

After proposing alternative solutions, they must be compared This comparison focuses primarily on important elements that must be present in the most appropriate alternative, which are

• The extent to which each of the proposed solutions contributes to solving the problem
• The cost or burdens incurred in implementing each solution
• Special requirements to be met for each solution to be implemented
• The expected time frame for the solution to produce its effects
• Side effects that may arise from implementing each solution

Put the solution into an application

There is no doubt that choosing a solution does not solve the problem in itself, but it must be implemented correctly and completely to have its intended effect and eliminate or alleviate the problem Therefore, the process of solving problems is done in several important stages, each of which is a link in an integrated chain, each stage depends on the stage preceding it, meaning that the quality and effectiveness of solving problems as an administrative basis depends on the efficiency of all stages

Reasons for failure to solve problems

·       Use one type of thinking

·       Absence or limited participation of stakeholders

·       Fear of failure, of innovation and of exchanging ideas

·       Lack of information or poor analysis of the problem

·       Failure to commit to solving the problem

·       Misinterpretation of the problem

·       Lack of knowledge of problem solving methods (techniques) and processes

·       Inability to use methods effectively

·       Not using the appropriate method for a particular problem

·       Insufficient or incorrect information

 Administrative problem solving methods

 ·     You must realize that there is a problem and it must be identified quickly and you must decide to confront the problem and confront it

·     You must understand that solving problems involves making a certain effort and you must relax and develop your mind before acting on the problem

·     You should be convinced that making a decision is better than doing nothing and you should be determined to address the problem as early as possible

·     You must appreciate the existence of a condition to define the problem before rushing to treat and eliminate it

·     You need to make a list of the facts and information related to the problem as you see it This helps you understand the problem and allows you to determine what is really happening

·     It is also important to identify the pros and cons of the available options and alternatives and their solutions

·     You must know the possible chances of success and failure in certain proportions and know whether there is a solution to the problem after all that

·     You must make a logical decision about the effectiveness of your decision and must consult with others who will be affected by this decision

·     You should think carefully about the effectiveness of your decision

·     It should be You should consider whether the problem needs a temporary or long-term solution, while ensuring that your decision has solved the problem permanently

The importance of developing the ability to solve problems

Developing your ability to solve problems is beneficial in many ways, as you will become able to

• Anticipate specific problems and take preventive action

• Solve problems quickly and with less effort • Reduce stress • Improve your work performance and relationships with colleagues • Create and exploit opportunities • Solve the most pressing problems • Exercise more control over major or vital aspects of your life • Achieve greater personal satisfaction