• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

How to develop assertiveness

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, December 31, 2007

Graduation day is in sight for many nursing students. And whether you're saying farewell to nursing school this month or in May, your first year as a real, actual, honest-to-goodness nurse is fast approaching. Your first 12-hour shift. Your first real patient. Your first day without your preceptor. Your first run-in with your manager. Your first, well, pretty much everything. And to help you out, this week, we're going to dip into one of the books in the Stressed Out series to give you some tips on assertiveness.

Stressed Out About Your First Year of Nursing is written by Patricia Duclos-Miller and its practical, simple advice has already helped thousands of new nurses get their feet on the ground. Here's a glimpse of what's inside:

One of the most important conflict-resolution skills is assertiveness. Do not confuse assertive behavior with aggressive behavior, which does not allow others to express themselves. Those who are assertive communicate in a direct and honest way and do not violate the other person's rights.

The key to being an assertive nurse is to be direct, clear, non-threatening, and non-attacking. Remember these tips when cultivating your own assertiveness skills:

1. You build confidence by believing in yourself. Think "I can handle anger," "I can deal with conflict," "I can deal with stress," and "I am confident." Repeat, rehearse, and visualize.
2. You must develop your communication skills through both verbal and nonverbal methods. Be mindful of your tone, volume, stance, etc.
3. You need to be mentally and factually prepared when dealing with others.

For more of this book (plus a whole lot more!), please visit our site.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive