lecture recording on 07 March 2025 at 11.12.14 AM

Conflict in Nursing

• Nature of Conflict

  • Conflict is inevitable in life, especially within the nursing profession.

  • Potential conflicts may arise between nurses, colleagues, managers, or within family dynamics.

• Types of Conflict

  • Horizontal Violence:

    • A term referring to bullying among peers within the same level (e.g., nurse to nurse).

    • This can significantly impact the experience and retention of nursing students.

  • Vertical Violence:

    • Involves power dynamics, such as conflict between nurses and managers.

Bullying in Nursing

• Research Insight

  • Investigation into nursing student experiences of bullying and its effect on their continued education.

  • The prevalence of terms like horizontal and vertical violence highlights the seriousness of bullying in nursing.

• Impact on Nursing Culture

  • Nurse-to-nurse hostility might stem from feeling inferior to other professionals, resulting in negative behaviors towards peers.

  • Recognition of the phrase "nurses eat their young" reflects a culture that can perpetuate bullying rather than support new nurses.

Navigating Conflict Situations

• Experiencing Conflict

  • Nurses often face conflict situations involving families, as seen in end-of-life care and disagreements about treatment plans.

• Effective Communication

  • It’s essential to communicate clearly and provide families with information on medication orders or patient care approaches.

  • Active involvement of the family in care decisions fosters a collaborative environment.

Tools for Addressing Conflict

• Conflict Resolution Strategies

  • Develop assertive communication skills to express disagreements or feelings appropriately.

  • Use the DESC Model:

    • Describe the behavior.

    • Express how it affects you (using "I" statements).

    • Specify the desired outcome.

    • Consequences can be clarification of expectations or involving management if needed.

Identifying Causes of Conflict

• Common Sources of Conflict

  • Ego: Personal pride can escalate disagreements.

  • Different Values or Beliefs: Varied backgrounds and philosophies can hinder communication.

  • Scheduling Conflicts: Tensions can arise between day and night shift nurses regarding workload perceptions.

  • Staffing Issues: Overwork and misunderstanding of roles lead to stress and conflict.

Professionalism and Team Dynamics

• Fostering a Positive Environment

  • Proactive communication can mitigate unexpected conflicts.

  • Encourage shared responsibility among staff for maintaining a supportive atmosphere.

Handling Bullying and Hostility

• Zero Tolerance for Bullying:

  • Many organizations are implementing policies to ensure bullying is addressed.

  • Understanding personal experiences with bullying can empower individuals to speak out.

• Culture Change:

  • Programs aimed at supporting new nurses can help erode old stigmas around nurse-to-nurse relationships.

Change and Adaptability in Nursing

• Response to Change:

  • Changes in policies, procedures, or systems can provoke stress among staff.

  • Nurses must adapt and understand that such adjustments can improve the workplace.

• Communication as Key

  • Clear communication during change is vital to ensure staff feels engaged and informed.

Conclusion

• Empowering Healthcare Workers

  • Encouragement and tools for nurses to confront and resolve conflicts constructively.

  • Recognizing individual responsibility and advocating for morale can lead to improved patient care and workplace satisfaction.