Question

A charge nurse is managing conflict with a staff nurse who does not agree with the client care assignment. Which of the following statements is an example of using the conflict resolution strategy known as smoothing?

A. Would you accept the assignment if we reassign your client who has total care needs and assign another client who can provide more self-care?
B. Tell me what changes we need to make so that you'll feel comfortable with the assignment.
C. I didn't mean to make you feel overwhelmed. Why don't you look over the assignments with me and suggest changes?
D. You always complete your work on time and do a great job. I believe you can handle the assignment well.

Answer 1

The phrase 'I didn't mean to make you feel overwhelmed. Why don't you look over the assignments with me and suggest changes?' is an example of using the conflict resolution strategy known as smoothing, which focuses on reducing tension and inviting collaboration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The example of using the conflict resolution strategy known as smoothing in this scenario would be choice C: 'I didn't mean to make you feel overwhelmed. Why don't you look over the assignments with me and suggest changes?' This option demonstrates a non-confrontational approach where the charge nurse is acknowledging the staff nurse's feelings and inviting collaboration to resolve the conflict. It is a typical smoothing technique to prioritize harmony and reduce tension by focusing on common points of agreement and minimizing the perceived seriousness of the conflict.

Effective conflict resolution in healthcare requires communication that is professional, empathetic, and seeks a win-win solution. It is also crucial to provide caregivers with the support they need to prevent issues like burnout and ensure they feel their contributions are valued.