Assertiveness: Your Responsibility

1

Explain why assertiveness is a nursing responsibility.

Differentiate among assertive, aggressive, and nonassertive (passive) behavior.

Describe three negative interactions in which nurses can get involved.

Maintain a daily journal that reflects your personal interactions and responses.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 2

Helps nurse advocate for the patient Promotes honest, open communication and

behavior Considers others’ feelings and needs Benefits nurse, patient, and staff

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 3

Translate into behavior patternsNonassertive (passive)AggressiveAssertive

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 4

Automatic response not based on choice Emotional response based on fear Dishonest, self-defeating Overall message: “I do not count. You

count.” Consequence: nurse unable to recognize

and meet patient needs

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 5

Automatic response not based on choice Emotional behavior based in anger Violates the rights of others Attacks person instead of behavior Overall message: “You do not count. I

count.” Consequence: distances aggressor from

staff and patients

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 6

Assertiveness: current name for honesty Pro-active, not emotional response Positive, confident, open stand Overall message: “I count. You count.” Consequence: Nurse feels in control of

emotions and responses, and can be more effective patient advocate.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 7

Nonassertive (passive) and aggressive behaviors are based on emotional hooks.

These styles are ultimately damaging to all parties.

Be alert to unresolved feelings that can lead to a cycle of:

worry > fear > anger > rage

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 8

Own your own feelings. Don’t blame others. Be direct. Use “I” statements to make your

feelings known. Make sure verbal and non-verbal

messages are consistent.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights

reserved. 9