Unit 4: Assertiveness Study Notes
Course Information and Learning Objectives
Unit: Unit 4: ASSERTIVENESS
Module: MNU/SN/NUR171
Instructor: Aminath Shiuna
Session Objectives: At the end of the session, of the students will be able to:
1. Define what is Assertive communication.
2. Identify one difference between assertive and non-assertive communication.
3. State the meaning of ‘DESC’.
4. Discuss the types of assertions.
5. List at least 3 advantages of assertive communication.
Defining Assertive Communication
Definition: Assertive Communication is the ability to express your thoughts, ideas, and feelings without undue anxiety and without the expense of others.
The Assertive Nurse: An assertive nurse appears confident and comfortable. They are characterized by being positive, caring, non-judgmental, clear, and direct without threatening or attacking others.
Comparative Communication Styles
Assertive (Active Behavior): Being assertive means being active; the individual considers their own needs and rights but does not do so at the expense of the needs/rights of others.
Non-assertive (Passive Behavior): This involves passive behavior where individuals disregard their own needs and rights. It is viewed as a failure to stand up for legitimate rights and possibly the rights of others.
Aggressive: Individuals in this category disregard the needs and rights of others. This style is loud, forceful, and often confrontational as a way of trying to get what one wants, even at the expense of others.
Assertive Rights of the Individual
As a professional and a human being, you have the right to:
Be treated with respect.
A reasonable workload.
An equitable wage.
Determine your own priorities.
Ask for what you want.
Refuse without making excuses or feeling guilty.
Make mistakes and be responsible for them.
Give and receive information as a professional.
Act in the best interest of the patient.
Be human.
Challenging Irrational Beliefs with Rational Counterparts
Communication is often affected by internalized beliefs. Below are common irrational beliefs contrasted with their rational counterparts:
Irrational Belief: If I am assertive, other people will be upset, hurt by it, or angry with me.
Rational Counterpart: The other person may not be hurt or angry. They might actually prefer being open and honest. They may feel closer to me and help me solve the problem.
Irrational Belief: If someone gets angry with me, I will be devastated.
Rational Counterpart: I will not fall apart in the face of anger. An angry response from someone else is a choice they make.
Irrational Belief: Assertive people are seen as cold and self-serving.
Rational Counterpart: Assertive responses are honest and demonstrate respect for the other person’s point of view. Assertion builds healthy relationships.
Irrational Belief: It is wrong for me to turn down legitimate requests.
Rational Counterpart: It is acceptable for me to turn down even reasonable requests. I can consider my own needs first, and it is not possible to please all of the people all of the time.
Criteria for Success During Assertion
To ensure assertion is effective, consider the following three criteria:
Timing: Does the person have time to listen?
Content: Are you phrasing your intervention in a way that demonstrates respect for yourself and others?
Receptivity: Is the person receptive at this current time?
The Anatomy of an Assertive Response (DESC)
An assertive response is structured through specific components, often identified by the acronym DESC:
Describe the situation.
Express what you think and feel.
Specify your request.
Consequences (state the outcomes or implications).
Note on Probability: Assertive behavior does not guarantee that you will get what you want, but it increases the probability of a successful outcome.
Types of Assertions
There are several ways to formulate an assertive statement depending on the context:
Basic Assertion: Simply expresses an idea, belief, or opinion and stands up for your rights or the rights of others.
General Examples: ‘I want to…’, ‘I don’t want to…’, ‘I liked it when you…’, ‘I have a different opinion. I think that…’
To Buy Time: ‘I can give you an answer tomorrow after I have had time to think about it.’
To Say No: ‘I cannot loan you any money…’
Empathic Assertion: Conveys sensitivity to the situation while maintaining an assertive position.
Example: ‘I know the unit is short staffed but I have a pressing personal commitment and cannot work a second shift.’
Escalating Assertion: Used when a simple assertion did not accomplish goals and rights are still being violated. It is a more emphatic expression.
Example: ‘I asked you not to use my computer without my permission. You have turned it off improperly and some files have been damaged. Please do not use it again.’
Advantages of Assertive Behavior
Adopting an assertive style offers several practical and psychological benefits:
It is more likely you will get what you want when you ask for it clearly.
People respect clear, open, and honest communication.
You stand up for your own rights and feel self-respect.
You avoid the invitation of aggression which often occurs when the rights of others are violated.
You become more independent.
You become an effective decision maker.
You feel more peaceful and comfortable with yourself.
Traits of the Assertive Nurse
An assertive nurse demonstrates the following qualities in professional practice:
Appears self-confident and composed.
Maintains eye contact.
Uses clear and concise speech.
Speaks firmly and positively.
Speaks genuinely and without the use of sarcasm.
Is non-apologetic.
Takes the initiative to guide situations.
Provides the same message both verbally and non-verbally (congruence).