Nursing

Helpful hints for managing conflicts

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, February 12, 2007

If you find yourself in a contentious situation, try defusing the situation with some of the following techniques:

  • Maintain an open and empathetic tone of voice
  • Maintain eye contact (unless this would be perceived as culturally insensitive)
  • Maintain an open body stance. Do not cross your arms.
  • Listen and do not interrupt
  • Avoid being defensive
  • Use "I" messages, such as "I thought that . . ." or "I believe . . ."

Source: Stressed Out: About Your First Year of Nursing, HCPro, Inc., 2006. For more information on our series of Stressed Out books, visit www.stressedoutnurses.com

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