A charge nurse is observing a conflict between two nurses who both insist that the charge nurse favors the other when making assignments.

A charge nurse is observing a conflict between two nurses who both insist that the charge nurse favors the other when making assignments.

Which of the following conflict-resolution strategies should the charge nurse use?

A.
Encourage collaboration between the two nurses when making the assignments.

B.
Tell the nurses that the assignments will be more equitable in the future.

C.
Ask each nurse to take turns making the assignments.

D.
Arrange for the nurses to have as few shifts together as possible.

The Correct answer and Explanation is:

The correct answer is A. Encourage collaboration between the two nurses when making the assignments.

Explanation:

Conflict Resolution Strategy: Collaboration

In any workplace, particularly in healthcare settings, conflicts between staff members can impact team cohesion and patient care. The charge nurse’s role is to mediate conflicts effectively and ensure a productive work environment. Encouraging collaboration between the two nurses is the most constructive approach for resolving their disagreement.

Why Collaboration is Effective:

1. Empowerment and Ownership: By involving the nurses in the assignment process, both parties feel empowered and have a stake in the decision-making. This collaborative approach can help them understand each other’s perspectives and work together to create a more equitable system for assigning tasks.
2. Open Communication: Collaboration fosters open communication and dialogue. It allows both nurses to express their concerns and work towards a mutual understanding. This can help in addressing underlying issues rather than just the symptoms of the conflict.
3. Shared Goals: When nurses collaborate on assignments, they can focus on shared goals such as providing quality patient care and maintaining a fair workload. This shared focus can reduce personal grievances and promote teamwork.
4. Conflict Prevention: Collaborating on assignments can prevent future conflicts by establishing a transparent process. When both nurses are involved in the decision-making process, it reduces perceptions of favoritism and bias, leading to a more harmonious work environment.

Why Other Options Are Less Effective:

• B. Tell the nurses that the assignments will be more equitable in the future: This strategy does not address the current conflict or involve the nurses in the resolution process. It may also come across as dismissive of their concerns.
• C. Ask each nurse to take turns making the assignments: This approach might lead to further resentment and could be seen as an unfair distribution of power. It also does not foster a collaborative environment.
• D. Arrange for the nurses to have as few shifts together as possible: This strategy avoids the conflict rather than addressing it. It does not solve the underlying issue and can contribute to a fragmented team dynamic.

In summary, encouraging collaboration helps resolve conflicts by involving both parties in the decision-making process, promoting fairness, and enhancing teamwork. This approach not only addresses the immediate concern but also contributes to a more positive and cooperative work environment.