87.3k views
3 votes
The charge nurse confronts a staff nurse whose behavior has been resentful & negative since a change in unit policy was announced. The staff nurse states, "Don't blame me; nobody likes this idea." What is the charge nurse's priority action?

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The charge nurse should address the situation by remaining calm, listening, using open-ended questions, restating the staff's points, and focusing on problem-solving without blame. Involving HR or a supervisor might be required if no resolution is found. Ultimately, appreciating and adapting to the work culture is essential, especially in vital units like the ICU.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge nurse's priority action when confronted with a staff nurse whose behavior is resentful and negative should be to address the situation calmly and professionally. It's important to listen to the staff's concerns and to understand their perspective. Using open-ended questions can help the charge nurse to learn more and to avoid misunderstandings. Affirming that the staff's feelings are heard by restating their points can be beneficial. It is crucial that both parties focus on problem-solving rather than assigning blame. If a resolution can't be found, it may become necessary to involve a supervisor or HR.

In a situation like the one presented with Tracy and Noel, where Tracy advises Noel to adapt to the current work culture, it is important to appreciate the existing workflow and to find ways to integrate without causing disruption. The goal is to ensure that all team members are content and effective in their roles, especially in critical environments like the ICU where teamwork is essential.

User Jonathan Williams
by
8.5k points