You have been hired by the director of a large suburban hospital to help resolve problems of poor morale that have been plaguing the nursing staff. Unfortunately, the nurses don’t find their jobs particularly interesting. As a result, turnover and absenteeism have been high, and patient care is at an all-time low. The problem is apparent to everyone; both doctors and patients have been complaining. Answer the following questions relevant to this situation based on the material in this chapter.

1. After interviewing the nurses, you found that they believed that no one cared how well they were doing.

What theories could help explain this problem?

Applying these approaches, what would you recommend the hospital should do to resolve this problem?

2. Hospital officials tell you that the nurses are well paid, adding to your surprise about the low morale.

However, your interviews reveal that the nurses themselves feel otherwise. Why might this occur and why is this a problem? What could be done to help?

3. “I’m bored with my job,” one highly experienced nurse tells you, and you believe she speaks for many within the hospital. What could be done to make their jobs more interesting to those who perform them?

What are the limitations of your plan? Would it work equally well for other members of the hospital staff

(e.g., clerical and janitorial employees)?