Nurse Executive Certification Practice Exam

A nurse executive has staff authority if the nurse executive:

1. Does not appear on an organizational chart

2. Has subordinates over whom authority is exercised

3. Is responsible for accomplishing organizational objectives

4. Serves in an advisory capacity

The correct answer is: Serves in an advisory capacity

The concept of staff authority is best illustrated by the role of serving in an advisory capacity. Staff authority typically involves providing guidance, recommendations, and support to management and operational staff but does not include the direct ability to make day-to-day decisions or manage subordinates in a line capacity. In this context, a nurse executive who serves in an advisory role contributes expertise and strategic insight to influence decisions and initiatives within the organization, thereby playing an essential part in achieving broader objectives without having direct command over a specific team or department. Choosing to serve in an advisory capacity emphasizes the collaborative nature of leadership in nursing, where the focus is on mentorship and guidance rather than direct oversight of staff. This aligns with the responsibilities associated with nurse executive roles, which often require functioning as a resource and consultant to enhance clinical practice and improve overall healthcare delivery. The other choices do not accurately define staff authority, as they imply a different kind of power dynamics and responsibilities that are more akin to line authority, which typically entails direct supervision and management responsibility over subordinates or operational tasks.