Week 3 Discussion Board
Preparing the Discussion
Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the discussion. Contact your course faculty if you have
questions.
General instructions:
Conflict is common in healthcare settings. Common team sources of conflict include hierarchical relationships,
authority differentials, poor communication, negative or disruptive behaviors, and multigenerational
interprofessional teams.
Include the following sections:
1. Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.
•
a. Describe a conflict you have encountered in your nursing practice. Identify the stakeholders
involved and their roles.
b. Analyze how the conflict was resolved. Which conflict resolution style was used?
c. Evaluate the efficacy of the resolution. Was the conflict resolution style used to address
the conflict the most appropriate option? Why or why not?
d. Identify and describe your preferred mode of conflict resolution.
Answer:
A conflict arose during my nursing practice when I encountered a situation with a patient care technician
while on a travel contract. On that day, I was assigned to the PCU, where I was not familiar with the staff, supply
room, etc. I had five patients to care for, one of whom was a new admit from the ED with stroke-like symptoms.
Despite my advice against it due to safety concerns, the patient insisted on taking a shower by herself. I offered to
assist her or suggested a bed bath as alternatives. After informing the patient care technician of the situation, she
said she would be available in 30 minutes. However, an hour passed, and the patient was still waiting for her
shower. I ended up helping the patient myself, only to find the technician on her lunch break later. I was upset,
because the patient-care technician could have informed me prior that she was going to go on her lunch break.
The approach I employed to resolve this issue involved maintaining composure and striving for mutual
understanding. By remaining calm, I was able to effectively manage my emotions and refrain from reacting
impulsively or defensively. To find common ground, I acknowledged the concerns of the patient care-technician.
While I understood her hunger and desire for a break, it was unfair to the patient that she did not inform them about
her intention to take a break or at least notify me. The patient care-technician comprehended my perspective and
even assisted me with my responsibilities for the remainder of the shift.
The conflict resolution proved to be highly efficient as it facilitated a favorable result and strengthened the
relationship. I firmly believe that this approach to conflict was the most suitable one. Despite feeling upset and
hungry, I am relieved that I managed to control my emotions. Establishing common ground lays the foundation for
resolving conflicts as it demonstrates impartiality. It signifies that you are in agreement with others and not seeking
confrontation.
My preferred mode of conflict resolution is active listening. Active listening gives the other party your full
attention, acknowledging their perspective, and validating their feelings. Engaging in active listening enables one to
identify the issues presented by the other party, thus allowing for the provision of meaningful feedback.
I prioritize active listening as my preferred method of resolving conflicts. By actively listening, I can fully
focus on the other party, recognize their point of view, and validate their emotions. This approach enables me to
comprehend the issue at hand and provide meaningful feedback (Weger, 2010).
Preparing the Discussion
Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the discussion. Contact your course faculty if you have
questions.
General instructions:
Conflict is common in healthcare settings. Common team sources of conflict include hierarchical relationships,
authority differentials, poor communication, negative or disruptive behaviors, and multigenerational
interprofessional teams.
Include the following sections:
1. Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.
•
a. Describe a conflict you have encountered in your nursing practice. Identify the stakeholders
involved and their roles.
b. Analyze how the conflict was resolved. Which conflict resolution style was used?
c. Evaluate the efficacy of the resolution. Was the conflict resolution style used to address
the conflict the most appropriate option? Why or why not?
d. Identify and describe your preferred mode of conflict resolution.
Answer:
A conflict arose during my nursing practice when I encountered a situation with a patient care technician
while on a travel contract. On that day, I was assigned to the PCU, where I was not familiar with the staff, supply
room, etc. I had five patients to care for, one of whom was a new admit from the ED with stroke-like symptoms.
Despite my advice against it due to safety concerns, the patient insisted on taking a shower by herself. I offered to
assist her or suggested a bed bath as alternatives. After informing the patient care technician of the situation, she
said she would be available in 30 minutes. However, an hour passed, and the patient was still waiting for her
shower. I ended up helping the patient myself, only to find the technician on her lunch break later. I was upset,
because the patient-care technician could have informed me prior that she was going to go on her lunch break.
The approach I employed to resolve this issue involved maintaining composure and striving for mutual
understanding. By remaining calm, I was able to effectively manage my emotions and refrain from reacting
impulsively or defensively. To find common ground, I acknowledged the concerns of the patient care-technician.
While I understood her hunger and desire for a break, it was unfair to the patient that she did not inform them about
her intention to take a break or at least notify me. The patient care-technician comprehended my perspective and
even assisted me with my responsibilities for the remainder of the shift.
The conflict resolution proved to be highly efficient as it facilitated a favorable result and strengthened the
relationship. I firmly believe that this approach to conflict was the most suitable one. Despite feeling upset and
hungry, I am relieved that I managed to control my emotions. Establishing common ground lays the foundation for
resolving conflicts as it demonstrates impartiality. It signifies that you are in agreement with others and not seeking
confrontation.
My preferred mode of conflict resolution is active listening. Active listening gives the other party your full
attention, acknowledging their perspective, and validating their feelings. Engaging in active listening enables one to
identify the issues presented by the other party, thus allowing for the provision of meaningful feedback.
I prioritize active listening as my preferred method of resolving conflicts. By actively listening, I can fully
focus on the other party, recognize their point of view, and validate their emotions. This approach enables me to
comprehend the issue at hand and provide meaningful feedback (Weger, 2010).
