Putting conflict management into practice

a nursing case study

VIVAR, CRISTINA GARCÍA BSc, MSc, RGN

Assistant Lecturer, Department of Community Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing, University of Navarre, Navarre, Spain and Doctoral Student, Department of Nursing Studies, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

Correspondence: Cristina García Vivar, Escuela Universitaria, de Enfermería, Edificio de Ciencias, Universidad de Navarra, c/ Irunlarrea, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted for publication: 4 February 2005

Journal of Nursing Management 14(3):p 201-206, April 2006.

Aim

This paper is intended to put knowledge in conflict management into practice through reflecting on a nursing case study.

Background

Nursing organizations are particularly vulnerable to conflict as the context of nurses' work may be difficult and stressful. Power conflict is argued to be an important source of tension within nursing units. Learning to manage conflict at an early stage is therefore crucial to the effective functioning of nursing organizations.

Evaluation

A nursing case study that illustrates power conflict in an oncology nursing unit is displayed and reflection on conflict management from the case is provided.

Key issues

There is no appropriate or inappropriate strategy to deal with conflict. However, detecting initial symptoms of conflict and adopting the most effective behaviour to conflict resolution is essential in nursing units.

Conclusion

Further nursing education in conflict management for staff nurses and nurse managers is greatly needed.