Final answer:
The nurse's calm and persistent repetition of not wanting to work Christmas is an example of the 'responding as a broken record' assertive behavior technique. It aims to express her refusal without escalating the situation and focuses on problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where a staff nurse asserts that she "worked last Christmas and will not work this Christmas," the behavior being demonstrated is an example of responding as a broken record. This assertive behavior technique involves calmly and persistently repeating the same statement without getting angry or escalating the situation. It is a way to maintain one's stand without becoming aggressive or confrontational. In doing so, the nurse is aiming to avoid misunderstandings, remain respectful, and emphasize her point without engaging in a fruitless debate. This approach helps to focus on solving the problem - in this case, not wanting to work another Christmas - and is likely to lead to a more favorable outcome without the need for escalation to a supervisor or HR department.
It is important to find a balance between staying calm, using open-ended questions, and being open to hearing the other side of the story while still standing up for one's own rights. In the case of nurses and healthcare professionals who often work rotating shifts, addressing potential problems such as holiday staffing requires understanding, patience, and a willingness to find equitable solutions.