What do you do if conflict arises among your nursing team?

1 Listen Actively

Active listening is a vital skill in conflict resolution. When a dispute arises, encourage all parties to voice their concerns and perspectives. Ensure that you listen without interrupting, and show empathy towards each team member's viewpoint. This can help de-escalate tensions and demonstrates that you value everyone's input. By fostering an environment where nurses feel heard, you're more likely to find a mutually acceptable solution.

2 Assess Situations

It's important to assess the situation objectively to understand the root causes of the conflict. Look beyond the immediate disagreement to identify underlying issues such as workload distribution, communication breakdowns, or personal differences. By pinpointing the actual problem, you can address the conflict more effectively. Also, consider the impact of the conflict on patient care and team dynamics, as these factors should guide your resolution strategy.

3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is essential in resolving conflicts within a nursing team. Once you have listened to all sides and assessed the situation, communicate your findings and proposed solutions clearly to all involved parties. Use 'I' statements to avoid placing blame and focus on the behavior rather than the person. For instance, say "I noticed that the schedule changes have caused some confusion," instead of "You're not following the schedule properly."

5 Implement Solutions

After reaching an agreement on how to resolve the conflict, it's critical to implement the solutions promptly. Whether it's adjusting schedules, improving communication channels, or providing additional training, taking action shows commitment to improving the team's working environment. Monitor the situation to ensure that the resolution is effective and make further adjustments if necessary.

6 Reflect and Learn

Finally, use the experience as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what caused the conflict and how it was resolved. Consider what strategies worked well and what could be improved for future conflicts. This reflection can help you develop better conflict resolution skills and prevent similar issues from arising. Encourage your team to view conflicts as chances for growth rather than setbacks.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?