A nurse manager is considering changing the policy for administering medications to clients on a unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take first?

Rationale: A. This option is incorrect because recognizing individual efforts is part of reinforcing and sustaining change, which occurs after staff have been engaged and the change process has begun. B. This option is incorrect because developing strategies to enhance acceptance is a later step that depends on understanding staff perceptions and potential barriers. Implementing strategies without assessing perceptions may lead to resistance. C. This option is incorrect because creating a task force is an implementation step. Without first understanding the staff’s perception of the need for change, the task force may not effectively address concerns or gain staff support. D. This option is correct because the first step in managing change is to assess and determine the staff’s perception of the need for change. Understanding staff attitudes, concerns, and readiness helps the nurse manager plan effectively, anticipate resistance, and develop strategies to engage the team in the policy change.