What types of expenses do we have? If we find that some of these expenses have been increasing, what interventions and/or changes might we suggest to lower the expenses

(cost containment)? Why should staff get involved in unit budget planning?

You are a staff nurse on a surgical unit. The nurse manager has formed a task force to provide input on the budget for the unit. She asks you to serve on the task force. You tell her you do not feel competent because you have been a nurse for only 1 year, but she says she wants fresh input. Now, you find yourself at the first meeting. The chair opens the meeting with some questions. How would you respond to them?