Question: Your First Budget Presentation You are the unit manager of the new oncology unit. It is time for your first budget presentation to the administration. You have already presented your budget to the director of nurses, who had a few questions but expressed general agreement. However, it is the policy at Memorial Hospital that the unit manager's present budget be presented to the budget committee, consisting of the fiscal manager, the director of nurses, a member of the board of trustees, and the executive director. You know that money is scarce this year because of the new building, but you really believe that you need the increases you have requested in your budget. Basically, you have asked for the following:
? Replace the 22% aides on your unit with 10% LVNs/LPNs and 12% RNs.
? Increase educational time paid by 5% to allow for certification in chemotherapy.
? Provide a new position of clinical nurse specialist in oncology.
? Convert one room into a sitting room and mini-kitchen for patients' families.
? Add shelves and a locked medication box in each room to facilitate primary nursing.
? Provide no new equipment, but replace existing equipment that is broken or outdated.
ASSIGNMENT: Outline your plan. Include your approach what is and what is not negotiable and what arguments you would use. Give a rationale for your plan.