What action should a chief nursing officer (CNO) take to improve performance after mock drill evaluations?

The choice to participate in mock drills and debrief staff stands out as a crucial action for a chief nursing officer to take following mock drill evaluations. By actively engaging in the drills, the CNO shows leadership and commitment to the process, which helps to foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement within the nursing staff.

Debriefing after the drills allows the CNO to gather firsthand insights from the participants about what worked well and what challenges arose during the drills. This feedback is invaluable for identifying specific areas for improvement and ensuring that the team feels heard and involved in the decision-making process regarding operational changes.

Moreover, this approach promotes accountability and transparency, encouraging staff to reflect on their performance and contribute to solution development. Such involvement not only enhances staff morale but also improves overall patient care as lessons learned from the drills are applied in real scenarios.

In contrast, while analyzing data or hiring consultants could provide valuable insights, these approaches are more indirect and may not foster the same level of engagement or immediate improvement that participation and direct involvement provide. Additionally, offering overtime for monitoring does not directly address the performance enhancements needed from the drills. Prioritizing active participation and staff debriefing fosters a proactive culture that ultimately leads to better operational outcomes.