Engaging the nursing administrator’s team in objective writing and formulating goals and philosophy of nursing service best describes which administrative function?

• A. Planning
• B. Controlling
• C. Directing
• D. Organizing

Answer: (A)

Planning, the management function that sets the unit’s direction by defining goals, objectives, and a guiding philosophy, is being demonstrated here. When the nursing administrator invites the team to write objectives and articulate the nursing service’s goals and philosophy, the focus is on deciding in advance what the unit aims to achieve and how to achieve it. This creates a roadmap and standards that guide actions and decisions, and it helps align resources and efforts with a shared direction. Organizing would involve arranging the structure, roles, and resources to carry out work; directing is about leading and motivating people to perform the work; and controlling involves measuring performance and making adjustments based on results.