Week 3: Conflict Resolution
Over the course of my career as a nurse, the issue of conflict has arisen many times. As a nurse or even as a layperson, it is inevitable that at one point in our lifetime conflict will dom
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Week 3: Conflict Resolution
Over the course of my career as a nurse, the issue of conflict has arisen many times. As a nurse or even as a layperson, it is inevitable that at one point in our lifetime conflict will dominate our day. Whether we are the source of that conflict or simply as a witness to conflict, as nurses we care for a variety of types of people, from the mother worried about her sick child to the homeless drug addict battling a mental illness. Conflicts can be as minor as a heated conversation to an all out no holds bar war between nurses or even a shift. One thing that nurses need to remember, even when dealing with co-workers or patients, is compassion. During times of conflict, it is that empathy that defines which side of the conflict we are on. For a healing and caring environment, conflict should be kept to a minimum and resolved as soon as possible. To, be an efficient and knowledgeable leader we must be able to identify the types of conflict, assist with negotiating between the parties involved in the conflict, for everyone to come out satisfied with the outcome of the conflict. The Bachelor of Science Nurse should be caring, passionate and able to deal with stressful events while assisting all parties towards a resolution of the conflict.
The conflict that I have most identified with deals with issues of patient care as well as placing nurses licenses at risk. With the change of any regime, the implementation as well as new expectations are difficult at times. Change is difficult to navigate for many, for nurses a routine is a must to be efficient. Adapting to a change in management, especially when staff is misdirected or the incoming management disregards the concerns of staff, proves to be problematic at best. The scenario I am talking about occurs often, and the initial confrontation lingers on. I work 7p-7a as a charge nurse at a mental health crisis center. I am fortunate to work seven days in a 14 day period. Approximately three weeks ago, I arrived to receive the
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