When experiencing conflict with another nurse (that is not resolvable between the parties), what is the most appropriate action for the nurse moving forward?
When experiencing conflict with another nurse (that is not resolvable between the parties), what is the most appropriate action for the nurse moving forward?
A. Report the conflict to the director of nursing over the unit.
[1%]
B. Report the conflict to the nurse manager of the unit.
[35%]
C. Report the conflict to the assigned charge nurse of the unit.
[60%]
D. Discuss the conflict with another nurse to attempt resolution of the issue.
[4%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Ethical/Legal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. It is essential to follow the appropriate chain of command in a professional setting and not to overstep any levels when moving the issue up the ladder. Relationships among healthcare staff can have a powerful influence on how well important information is communicated. Disruptive behaviors may be displayed as aggressive, which is a more natural type of action to observe, but may also be demonstrated as passive or passive-aggressive. These behaviors may threaten patient safety and quality of care. Nurses and other clinicians who witness these behaviors may be hesitant to point them out because of the fear of retaliation. Additionally, nurses may be reluctant or may refuse entirely to communicate with a disruptive clinician. Delays in patient care, disruptive behaviors, and recurring communication problems may occur due to ongoing or unresolved disputes between clinicians. When any problematic issue arises, it is essential to follow the proper chain of command and to report the problem as well as attempt a resolution so that patient outcomes are not negatively affected. Chain of leadership in healthcare refers to an authoritative structure established to resolve administrative, clinical, or other patient safety issues by allowing healthcare clinicians to present a matter of concern through the lines of authority until a resolution is reached.
Choices A and B are incorrect. The director of nursing and nurse manager of the unit are not the most immediate to notify in the chain of command.
Choice D is incorrect. It would be inappropriate to discuss the conflict with a nurse on your level of authority.
NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Coordinated Care, Communicating with the Healthcare Team
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2 Key Topics
Chain of Command
