Corexcel - Conflict Resolution - Handout

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 15

Continuing Education for Nurses

Linking Learning to Performance

CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN
INSIDE THIS COURSE NURSING 1.5 Contact Hours
CONFLICT & COMMUNICATION ....1 TYPES OF
This continuing education course is intended to help
CONFLICT...................2 CONFLICT IN NURSING................3
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT nurses identify conflict, understand various types of
STRATEGIES ..............................3 CASE SCENARIO conflict, implement strategies to effectively manage
........................4 COMMUNICATION SKILLS ...........5 ART OF conflict, and understand how to minimize conflict and
NEGOTIATION ................5 ORGANIZATIONAL TACTICS.........6 prevent escalation of conflict situations in the nursing
CONCLUSION & REFERENCES.....7 CE environment.
EXAM...................................8 EVALUATION
............................10

Course Objectives

∙ Define conflict and effective communication skills. ∙


Identify four general types of conflict.
∙ List the four primary types of conflict in nursing.
∙ Describe five strategies used to manage conflict. ∙
Identify four components of effective communication
skills. ∙ List three rules for effective negotiation.
∙ Explain four organizational tactics for preventing and
resolving conflict.

Online

CONFLICT AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION


Conflict resolution skills are essential, not just for nursing leadership, but for all nurses. Nurses, in general,
have been found to lack conflict resolution skills and often use avoidance or withdrawal when confronted
with conflict. In order for conflict to be managed successfully, effective communication skills are necessary.
Effective communication skills are skills that stress resolution and a positive outcome, allow for the
discussion of the issue without blame, and include the ability to clearly express oneself to avoid
misunderstandings and miscommunication.
Conflict can be defined as a state of disharmony that occurs within a group of people with differing
viewpoints, opinions, values, or priorities. Nurses need to be able to recognize and accommodate
differences in the workplace while striving to minimize conflict. Conflict is not always a negative thing.
When handled effectively, a little conflict can promote organizational and personal growth. Conflict left
unchecked, however, can paralyze a group and interfere with quality patient care. Continued conflict further

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 2 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

leads to higher staff turnover rates, increased healthcare costs, patient dissatisfaction and an overall
decrease in organizational morale.

Quality and safe patient care depends on a collaborative work environment that stresses teamwork and
communication. The Joint Commission developed a leadership standard, effective January 1, 2009, to
address issues of conflict in the workplace. This standard calls for an organizational code of conduct that
defines acceptable versus disruptive or inappropriate behaviors. The standard also calls for leaders to
create and implement processes to effectively manage conflict in the workplace. The Joint Commission
report also identifies two main factors involved in healthcare workplace conflict:

∙ Personal Factors: The Joint Commission reports that the stress involved when dealing with high
emotion situations, especially when coupled with fatigue can lead to intimidating or disruptive
individual behavior. Healthcare professionals who possess characteristics such as self
centeredness, immaturity or defensiveness are more prone to these types of behavior and often
lack interpersonal, coping, or conflict management skills.
∙ Organizational Factors: The same report also points out how the uniqueness of the healthcare
cultural environment can create challenges for interpersonal communication and trust issues
between team members. The healthcare environment is marked by productivity demands, cost
containment issues, embedded hierarchies and the ever-present fear and stress caused by the
possibility of litigation. A continual flux of change is present in healthcare, further contributing to
an environment where conflict can be expected and must be dealt with effectively for positive
outcomes.

GENERAL TYPES OF CONFLICT


In order to effectively assess a conflict situation, it is important to understand the main types of conflict.
Each type of conflict requires a different approach for effective management.

∙ Intrapersonal Conflict: This type of conflict occurs within a person when confronted with a situation
that causes discomfort. Intrapersonal conflict can affect others working with the nurse who is
experiencing this type of conflict and lead to the next type of conflict. An example of intrapersonal
conflict is a nurse who is working a shift that interferes with her family schedule and is creating
conflicting emotions in that nurse.
∙ Interpersonal Conflict: This type of conflict occurs between two or more people who disagree on an
issue due to factors such as differing goals, values, ethics, or priorities. This is the most common
type of workplace conflict. An example of interpersonal conflict is a situation where a family
member is angry with a nurse over a treatment or medication change.
∙ Intergroup Conflict: This type of conflict is similar in nature to interpersonal conflict, but occurs
between two or more groups of people. An example is a disagreement between two units about
the best way to transfer a patient and provide a handoff report.
∙ Organizational Conflict: This type of conflict occurs when there is a disagreement between staff
and the organization over issues including policies and procedures, changes occurring on the
unit, or organizational standards. An example is an organizational change in documentation the
nurses feel is unnecessary or redundant.

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 3 Conflict Resolution in Nursing PRIMARY TYPES OF CONFLICT IN NURSING

∙ Nurse-to-Nurse Conflict: This type of conflict occurs when


nurses clash over philosophies, experience, or collusion.
Nurse-to-nurse conflict can escalate to incivility which
may
result in bullying or lateral workplace violence. Lateral
violence refers to hostile acts between workplace
colleagues.
Examples of this type of violence include covert or overt
acts
of verbal or nonverbal aggression and may lead to
bullying
behavior. Because this type of conflict can escalate
quickly
and directly affect patient care, it is important that it is
quickly
recognized and resolved.
∙ Nurse-to-Physician Conflict: This type of conflict arises as
a difference in power or perception of power. Communication
can become condescending, critical, or patronizing. This type
of conflict can affect all members of the staff and inhibit
patient care by interfering with interprofessional
collaboration. Steps must be taken to improve nurse and physician communication which
stresses the shared goal of patient-centered care.
∙ Nurse-to-Patient Conflict: Patient and family members who do not feel they are being heard or are
not part of the decision-making process may lead to conflict situations. Patients may feel a nurse is
not answering their call bells promptly, ignoring their pain, not giving their medications on time, or
are speaking to them in a condescending or abrasive manner.
Nurses who can remain mindful and not become defensive are able to communicate more
effectively with the patient or family members and discuss issues as they arise, thus preventing
further frustration or escalation. Care must be taken to ensure that patients and/or family
members are actively engaged in the decision-making process.
∙ Staffing Conflicts: Staffing and scheduling issues are common sources of both internal and
external conflicts. The process of nurse staffing requires the balancing of quality patient care
with the number and needs of staff nurses. Because of the ever-present change that is part of
the process, conflict can arise over this issue that affects nursing staff, patients, and other team
members.
Ideally, staffing should include the input of the nurses to work together in a collaborative process to
create a fair and balanced schedule as much as possible. However, no matter how staffing
schedules are determined, transparency is key to minimizing conflict and promoting safety, a
sense of community, and overall job satisfaction among staff members.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES


There are five main types of strategies used to manage conflict. Not all types are effective in all conflict
situations. Often, a combination of the following strategies can be used to effectively deal with conflict in the
workplace.

∙ Avoiding: This strategy is the least effective method of dealing with conflict because nothing is
resolved, only postponed. However, in a volatile situation sometimes using the avoidance
strategy to walk away and clear your head may be the best strategy to use.
∙ Accommodation: This strategy is also considered largely ineffective because it often results in
future conflict. Accommodation involves putting someone else’s needs or goals ahead of
someone

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 4 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

else’s (often your own) at a sacrifice. This strategy may temporarily resolve the conflict, but leads to
a build-up of frustration and resentment.
∙ Competing: This strategy involves someone pursuing their own goals, needs or desires at the
expense of others. While some competition may benefit the workplace, using competing as a
strategy to management conflict leads to aggression and anger and is often found in power
struggles.
∙ Compromising: This is considered an effective strategy to deal with conflict. In this method, both
parties are willing to give something up in order to gain something. This strategy is only effective
if both parties feel their trade-offs are fair and equal.
∙ Collaborating: This strategy is considered the best method for effective conflict management. Both
parties identify shared goals and work together in a fashion where both parties are satisfied with
the outcome.

CASE SCENARIO
Nurse R arrives for her 12-hour shift in the emergency room department and finds that her assignment is
quite heavy. She has been assigned seven patients, including two who are currently unstable. She notices
that Nurse M has a light assignment with only five patients, all of whom are scheduled to be discharged to
home during the shift. She feels frustrated because her patient load exceeds the ER guidelines regarding
patient number and acuity. She knows Nurse M often receives lighter assignments because she is known
to be intimidating and aggressive. She decides to address the issue with her charge nurse who tells her
she is busy and “it is what it is.” Increasingly frustrated, Nurse R decides it is time to approach the unit
manager about this ongoing issue.

What are some ways the nurse manager can address the issue and manage this conflict situation
effectively?

A. Avoidance: The nurse manager can choose to avoid the situation and say nothing or tell Nurse
R she is too busy to address the situation.

Results: Nurse R walks away feeling more frustrated and powerless over the situation.

B. Competing: The nurse manager can become dominating and tell the charge nurse the
assignment is unacceptable and needs changed immediately.

Results: The charge nurse is upset and angry at both Nurse R and the manager. The manager
later feels regret that she handled the conflict in this manner and has caused more stress and
discord on the unit. Nurse R gets the results she wanted, but now is at odds with her charge
nurse and the other nurse on the unit.

C. Compromise: The nurse manager can discuss Nurse R’s concerns with the charge nurse and
engage her assistance to find a speedy solution that will make both nurses happy.

Results: By engaging the charge nurse and asking for her help, the manager can address
the situation without escalating it. If they can work together to find a solution that works for
both nurses, this approach may result in a positive outcome.

D. Collaboration: The manager can have an informal meeting with both nurses and the charge
nurse where they can discuss ways they can all come to an acceptable solution.

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 5 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

Results: Each party can give input and feel their opinion is important and heard by
management. With all involved parties included, each will be more willing to compromise for the
overall benefit of everyone on the unit including other staff members and patients. This solution
offers the best way for a speedy resolution while also improving patient care and patient
outcomes.

Collaboration is considered the most effective method of conflict management.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT


The first step in managing any conflict is to develop communication skills that are effective and produce
positive results. Some points to remember for effective communication during conflict management include
the following four strategies:

∙ Mutual Respect: Both parties must remain respectful towards the other party and keep the focus
on the issue and not resort to personal attacks.
∙ Needs Versus Wants: Each party should examine whether their issue is a need or a want, as well
as seek to understand the other party and their needs and wants. Clarifying this point can improve
collaboration and compromise during a conflict.
∙ Compassion and Empathy: Both parties must act with compassion and empathy to the other party if
conflict is to be managed effectively. Both parties must be willing to actively listen to the other party
with an open mind and without becoming defensive.
∙ Stay in the “I”: Each party needs to stay focused on “I” statements and not fall into the habit of
using accusatory “you” statements which often lead to an increase in conflict and create an
environment of blame.

THE ART OF NEGOTIATION


A critical communication skill during conflict situations is the ability to effectively negotiate. Negotiation
involves controlling reactions during the conflict, seeking to actively listen and understand the other party’s
issues, identifying the unmet need, and being able to compromise and collaborate to come to a positive
solution. There are three rules to remember when using negotiation to solve a conflict:

1. Do not take negative comments or information presented personally. Instead, listen to the other
party with an open mind while trying to determine the core of the actual problem. While it may
be a normal reaction to become angry and defensive when faced with criticism, effective
communication and negotiation requires both parties seek to understand the other party and
collaborate to find an effective solution.
2. The second rule involves identifying the need being expressed by the other party. Is the need a
personal need, an institutional need, or a patient need? By staying in control of your own
emotions and identifying the unmet need, you can move on to the third rule in successful
negotiating, which is finding a solution.

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 6 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

3. The third rule focuses on finding a positive solution for all the parties involved. To accomplish
this, each party must be willing to give something up, or to compromise. Although it may be
difficult to give something up in the immediate short-term, by keeping long-term goals in mind,
it becomes easier to negotiate conflict situations as they arise.

Three Rules of Negotation

1. Don’t take it personally.


2. Identify the need.
3. Focus on a solution.

ORGANIZATIONAL TACTICS FOR PREVENTING AND RESOLVING CONFLICT


Conflict in the workplace can also be seen as a disagreement where one or more parties perceives a threat
to their needs, wants, or concerns. Organizational leaders can do much to prevent or resolve conflict and to
promote a company culture where collaboration and cooperation are the norm. These four steps can assist
nurse managers and leaders in their role to prevent or resolve conflict:

∙ Engage in Dialogue: The organization and management need to be willing to engage in dialogue.
Nurses should have the opportunity to speak at councils or meetings and give their perceptive
and concerns on issues that are currently creating conflict or have the potential to create conflict.
This important step will often be enough to prevent the conflict from continuing or escalating.
∙ Debriefing and Education: Staff conflict needs to be identified as an opportunity for dialogue and
communication skills training. Nonpunitive debriefing after a conflict situation allows everyone to
reflect on the incident and seek ways to learn from it. Role-playing and the use of case scenarios
can be helpful in preventing or minimizing conflict by teaching effective communication skills and
providing a non-threatening environment to practice these skills. This allows nurses to feel better
prepared and more confident in real-life conflict situations.
∙ Identify Potential Conflict: Organizational leaders can help identify potential areas for conflict and
develop policies and procedures to handle conflict that may occur. Conflict is inevitable in the
workplace, especially in fast-paced healthcare settings with various disciplines working together in
high-stress situations. By becoming aware of where potential conflict situations are likely to occur,
the organization can prepare the staff and provide tools and guidance to handle the situation
effectively.
∙ Recognize Conflict Early: If conflict is not managed effectively, it often continues to grow and
escalate. Nurse managers and other organizational leaders must receive the necessary training
to recognize conflict in the early stages and be prepared to act as a guide towards successful
resolution. This step produces a workplace that focuses on cooperation and collaboration.

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 7 Conflict Resolution in Nursing CONCLUSION

Conflict is an inevitable part of any healthcare workplace environment.


Although conflict can cause stress and fear, with the right tools, conflict
can
be seen as an opportunity for growth. Effective communication skills, role
playing, and case scenarios can be used by nurses to manage conflict in
a
way that results in a positive outcome for each party.

REFERENCES
Cardilla, D. (2017). Seven strategies for managing conflict. The Iowa Nurse Reporter, pp.8-10.

Dahlkemper, T. (2017). Nursing leadership, management, and professional practice for the lpn/lvn, 6e.
(2017). Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.libproxy.uncg.edu.

Johansen, M. (2012). Keeping the peace. Nursing Management (Springhouse), 43(2), pp.50-54.

Jointcommission.org. (2017). Available at: https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/SEA_40.PDF


[Accessed 4 Nov. 2017].

Mahon, M.; Nicotera, A. (2011). Nursing and conflict communication: avoidance as preferred strategy.
Nursing Administration Quarterly, ISSN: 1550-5103, Vol: 35, Issue: 2, Page: 152-63.
ADDITIONAL CONFLICT RELATED RESOURCES
Everything DiSC Productive Conflict

Everything DiSC Productive Conflict is a behavior assessment, and available presentation materials, that
gives participants the tools to turn conflict into productivity.

∙ Assessment & Trainer Materials

∙ Demo Request Form

Handling Workplace Conflict

Handling Workplace Conflict is an online course that helps managers understand employee conflict
styles, identify causes of conflict, and implement strategies for addressing conflict.

∙ Online Course

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 8 Conflict Resolution in Nursing CE EXAM

CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN NURSING

1. Conflict can be defined as a state of disharmony that occurs within a group of people with differing
viewpoints, opinions, values, or priorities.

A. True
B. False

2. This type of conflict occurs between two or more people who disagree on an issue due to factors such
as differing goals, values, ethics, or priorities. This type of conflict is the most common type of
workplace conflict.

A. Intrapersonal conflict
B. Interpersonal conflict
C. Intergroup conflict
D. Organizational conflict
3. This type of conflict occurs when nurses clash over philosophies, experiences, or collusion.

A. Staffing conflict
B. Nurse-to-Nurse conflict
C. Nurse-to-Physician conflict
D. Nurse-Patient conflict

4. Lateral workplace violence does not include covert or overt acts of verbal aggression.

A. True
B. False

5. This conflict management strategy is considered the least effective method of dealing with conflict
because nothing is really resolved, only postponed.

A. Avoiding
B. Competing
C. Compromising
D. Collaborating

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 9 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

6. Successfully being able to negotiate in a conflict situation requires the ability to define unmet needs of
the other party.

A. True
B. False

7. This type of conflict occurs in the healthcare workplace when there is a difference in power or
perceptions of power.

A. Staffing conflict
B. Nurse-to-Nurse conflict
C. Nurse-to-Physician conflict
D. Nurse-Patient conflict

8. The Joint Commission report identifies two main factors involved in healthcare workplace conflict as
personal and organizational factors.

A. True
B. False
9. This conflict management strategy involves someone pursuing their own goals, needs, or desires at
the expense of others.

A. Avoiding
B. Competing
C. Compromise
D. Collaborating

10. Role-playing and the use of case scenarios can be helpful in teaching effective communication skills,
but are also a source of conflict and tension.

A. True
B. False

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 10 Conflict Resolution in Nursing EVALUATION

CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN NURSING


Please answer the following
questions by circling the
response that best
represents your experience.
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree

COURSE OBJECTIVES & CONTENT

1. The activity met the stated learning objectives. 5 4 3 2 1

2. The content was up to date. 5 4 3 2 1

TEACHING/LEARNING METHODS

3. The teaching/learning methods, strategies, 5 4 3 2 1


and slides were effective in helping me
learn.
4. The material was clearly explained. 5 4 3 2 1

5. The answers to the post-test questions 5 4 3 2 1


were appropriately covered in the activity.

OVERALL ACTIVITY

6. The online course/download supported the 5 4 3 2 1


achievement of the stated learning
objectives.

7. The material was relevant to my 5 4 3 2 1


professional development.

8. Overall, I am pleased with this activity Yes No


and would recommend it to others.

9. The content was presented free of Yes No


commercial bias.*

10. Did the material presented increase your Yes No NA


knowledge and/or understanding of this
topic?**

Continued on Next Page

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 11 Conflict Resolution in Nursing * If you responded “No” to question 9, please explain why:

* If you answered “Yes” to question 10, what change do you intend to make?

What barrier, if any, may prevent you from implementing what you learned?

Cite one new piece of information you learned from this activity:

Additional comments/suggestions:
With my signature I confirm that I am the person who completed this independent educational activity by reading the
material and completing this self evaluation.

Signature Date:

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 12 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

201 Webster Building


3411 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
888-658-6641
learn@corexcel.com
www.corexcel.com

HOW TO GET YOUR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

To receive ANCC continuing education credit for this learning packet, you must read the course content,
pass the post-test, complete the evaluation, and submit the registration form by January 1, 2024.

You may fax the forms to Corexcel at 302-477-9744 or mail them to:

Corexcel
201 Webster Building
3411 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
We will mail you the certificate within a week after receiving your test, evaluation and payment as long as
you achieve a 70% or better on the test.

Corexcel is accredited as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses


Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply Commission on
Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

No planning committee member or faculty has indicated a relevant financial relationship with a
commercial interest involved with the content contained in this course.

Corexcel’s provider status through ANCC is limited to educational activities. Neither Corexcel nor the
ANCC endorse commercial products.

Corexcel has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing
Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, MacLean, VA 22102.

Take Conflict Resolution in Nursing Online

All materials contained in this educational activity are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed,
transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the permission of Corexcel. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other
notice from copies of the content.

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 13 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

201 Webster Building


3411 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810 888-658-6641
learn@corexcel.com
www.corexcel.com
UNDERSTANDING IMPLICIT
BIAS

The goal of healthcare is to provide the best possible care to all patients; indeed, many healthcare
professionals must recite a pledge similar to the Hippocratic oath upon licensure. However, it is possible
for healthcare professionals to have implicit bias that leads to substandard care.

Implicit bias is an unconscious attitude leading to stereotypes that influence thought and action. Not being
aware of this bias can lead to unintentional discrimination in patient assessment and diagnosis, treatment,
follow-up care, etc. Discrimination, unconscious or otherwise, in these impacted areas of healthcare leads
to disparities where disadvantaged patient populations receive unequal care. Patient groups especially at
risk of receiving unequal care may include:

∙ Those with lower income


∙ Women
∙ Minorities
∙ Those who speak English as a second language
∙ The elderly

An example of healthcare disparities can be seen in breast cancer mortality rates. Black women are 41%
more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Additionally, they are less likely to be diagnosed
with stage I breast cancer, but twice as like to die from early breast cancer.

Eliminating implicit bias can help reducing disparities in healthcare. Strategies for healthcare
professionals to remove bias from their practice may include:

∙ Regulating emotions – being aware of, and control, thoughts and feelings
∙ Building partnerships – working with patients to achieve a common goal
∙ Taking perspective – understand the patient perspective during all phases of healthcare

Recognizing implicit bias and working to remove it from practice will help healthcare professionals to give
the best care possible to all patients and reduce the disparities between patient populations.

REFERENCES

Alspach, J. Implicit bias in patient care: an endemic blight on quality care. Crit Care Nurse (2018) 38 (4):
12–16.

Aujero, M. Breast cancer screening for at risk women. Oral presentation at: 23rd Annual Breast Cancer
Update; February, 2021; Wilmington, DE.

Narayan, M. CE: addressing implicit bias in nursing: a review. Am J Nurs (2019) 119 (7): 36-43.

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com


Page 14 Conflict Resolution in Nursing

201 Webster Building


3411 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
888-658-6641
learn@corexcel.com
www.corexcel.com

WRITTEN PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM

Date:

Name & Title:


Address:

City: State: Zip:

License No. (Required for Florida):

Email:

Employer:

(W): (H): (F):

Have you registered with us before? Yes No


Course # Title Amount

CX0110 Conflict Resolution in Nursing 20.00

Shipping and Handling 8.95

Total $ 28.95

Paying By: Check Credit Card Money Order Cash Credit Card Number: Exp. Date:

Cardholders Name: Sec. Code:

© Corexcel. All Rights Reserved. www.corexcel.com

You might also like