Assertiveness, Important or not?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a second year nursing student and was wondering if assertiveness is an important part of "your" nursing practice? And if so, how? This question is part of a presentation that I'm doing on assertive behavor.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

I think of this in terms of getting your patient what they need to be comfortable or to feel that their care is complete, including explaination, education, comfort, and follow-up.

It can also play a part in fair scheduling.

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Specializes in pediatric and geriatric.

I think it is important because sometimes it can help get things done faster. I'm not saying to be rude or anything, but you can't be a good supervisor if you treat everyone like a friend. I've seen alot of nurses get walked over because they don't want to step on toes, but we are ultimately there to do a job.

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without assertiveness, some...

- families will own you; you'll be at their every beck and call.

- pts will disown you; for failing to challenge the frequent inadequacies r/t their care.

- md's will eat you up. even God doesn't do that.

- and your coworkers will spit you out. just because.

to survive and thrive in nsg today, assertiveness is the self-confidence that will enable you to strut your stuff to, and for, others.

others may argue one needs a bsn, or sev'l yrs experience.

both of the aforementioned are useless, w/o a backbone and a healthy dose of self-respect.

only the best to you.

leslie

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i agree...very very important.

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Specializes in LTC, office.

It is important. You have to be able to stand up for yourself and your patients.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

Can't be a "wuss" in this profession.

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Being assertive is being able to talk honestly about how you feel in a respectful, straightforward way.

Not passive, not aggressive.

I use it in my practice to get the best care for my patients and the best working environment for myself.

Specifically: when a co-worker thinks she can bully me into doing something I know is wrong (I don't think so.). Or when a patient is using disrespectful language. Or when a family has unrealistic expectations of care. Or when a tech is not getting BG's on my patients. Or when a physician doesn't believe my patient's pain.

Assertiveness is key to thriving in nursing. It should be taught in nursing school.

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Specializes in ER OB NICU.

I am very assertive , but am also very respectful, of people's feelings, space, etc. I have always worked as a supervisor, and it comes with the territory. As said previously, to not be mildly assertive lets everyone else take advantage of your good nature, inability to say no, etc. I rarely raise my voice, but have been told the look in my eyes says it all. I can only remember once in the past 5 years, I was aggravated enough to raise my voice, (as aggravation comes with the territory) and I had listened to the same old sob story by the same aide, who worked herself to death to pay for and feed a 100 year old horse she had had as a child, and a worthless drug addicted, alcoholic, non working 38 year old son, who never said THANKS MOM

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Specializes in LTC.

It is very important. In alot of cases you are the patient's voice( at least in LTC) . Some of those people can't speak for themselves so you need to. It is needed to ensure proper care is given both physcally and medically.:redbeathe

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Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.

You definitely need it or else you will get walked on. I have not always been real assertive and sometimes I am still a wuss because I'm one of those people who doesn't want to hurt someone elses feelings but I am slowly realizing that it is not worth it and am learning to stand up for myself more and more. Prevents me from working short staffed. But I have developed an attitude of what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong and I will call someone on the carpet for it.

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"Use your mom voice when you need him do do something" I was once told in report. The mom voice is the voice of command. Any military folk or parents will know what I am talking about.

This combined with excellent manners(I live in the south after all), and patient advocacy will take you far.

Assertive comes naturally to some, and is a hard-learned skill in others.

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