dealing with conflicts

[MikeLawrence]

I am looking for your thoughts and ideas on the best way to deal with conflicts that occationally happen between co-workers. Should these conflicts be addressed with the person with whom you are conflicting? Should the charge nurse be involved? Should the Dept. Manager be involved?

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

When doing conflict resolution I am a firm believer in a step-wise approach.

If you have an issue with someone approach them about it first. In a non-confrontational tone and in an area that you can easily escape if the need be (things happen). Let them know what the issue is, when it occurred and why its an issue.

If it continues to occur inform the Charge RN/Nursing Coordinator; let them handle it from this point forward.

If the charge RN and nursing coordinator do nothing, or their intervention has not yielded a stop to the behavior/actions then I would approach the nursing manager.

Remember, it is always best to leave a paper trail so you have evidence that you have followed the correct procedures based on your facilities policies.

[Jen_Loves_Nursing]

I worked at a hospital and upon the interview process i was applying for two positions (I actually was offered both, wish i would have chosen the one i didn't choose!!!) one nurse manager told me she wanted conflicts to be resolved at the nursing level. So if me and a fellow nurse have a problem, deal with it and if it STILL can't be resolved come to her. The floor i ended up taking the offer for: my nurse manager told me the exact opposite... come to her for everything. It made for a very hostile work environment becuase we started getting 'tattlers" and everyone ended up getting in trouble for something. I say confront professionally but maybe ask you boss his/her stance on the matter.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Is this for school? How do you think conflict would best be resolved?