In the nursing profession, leaders deal with conflicts on a daily basis. On the other hand, the choice of conflict resolution is determined with the level of managerial effectiveness. Therefore, the ability to manage conflict situations creatively is a standard requirement in the nursing profession.
There are various factors that increase conflict within the group. First, autocratic leadership style like lack of respect within the profession increases feelings of diminished self-worth (Kelly, 2008). For example, the position of the new director should be based on respect and confidence of the staff nurses. The new changes should be whole accepted by other specialties such as nurses and physicians. Secondly, poor communication is a critical problem, within the organization as well as between the nurse leader and the group. In essence, poor communication causes errors and conflicts (Mariner, 2009). For example, the new director ignored the information of employees in nursing while implementing changes in the area. Further, communication is challenging in the nursing profession, with employees working under stress and heavy workload.
However, there are several approaches of handling conflicts such as accommodating, collaborating and avoiding. First, accommodating issues is important to meet the goals of the organization. It promotes harmony and gains credits to both parties. In addition, collaboration supports problem solving to reach mutual agreement solutions (Sullivan, 2005). For example, the new director should incorporate the information of the employees before implementing changes. Secondly, avoiding conflict is appropriate to use especially when the other party is powerful. For example, the cost of addressing the conflict tends to be higher than the profits of resolution. Therefore, avoiding conflicts is imperative to gain confidence and gather information. Finally, close communication among the nursing staff and leaders create an environment for collaborative communication (Sullivan, 2005). As a result, there is positive patient, nurse and physician outcomes as well as enhanced professional relationship.
In conclusion, it is important to manage a conflict situation in the nursing profession appropriately. Factors that cause conflicts include poor communication and autocratic leadership style. Therefore, collaborative communication promotes mutual resolution of conflicts.
References
Kelly, P. (2008). Nursing leadership & management. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.
Marriner, A. (2009). Guide to nursing management and leadership. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier.
Sullivan, E. J. (2005). Effective leadership and management in nursing. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
