Types of conflict management in nursing examples Many types of conflicts occur in the nursing workplace. Oct 2, 2015 · This chapter describes conflict in general, identifies contributing factors, and offers several examples specific to EM. Learn strategies to resolve conflicts in your nursing team. Explore some tactics for conflict resolution in nursing. Feb 2, 2022 · Uncover common leadership styles in nursing and their impact on patient care. Common Sources of Interpersonal Conflict Common sources of interpersonal conflict in health care settings are passive-aggressiveness, horizontal aggression, defensiveness Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the most prevalent conflict management styles and strategies employed by nurses in clinical settings and to examine the factors associated with their selection. See the 5 nursing interview conflict examples from here. Such situations can easily cause a loss of First nurses face different types of patients everyday, specifically, they treat different ailments, illnesses, and diseases and work with people of different ages, genders, cultures, ethnic and racial backgrounds, social classes, and personalities. These differences can result in two distinct cases of conflict Enhance healthcare with effective conflict management: open communication, mutual respect, and continuous improvement. Application to Nursing—Avoidance When might avoidance be an appropriate approach to conflict in a hospital or clinic setting? In a hospital or clinical setting, there may be times when it is appropriate to avoid conflict. See also: Mayo Clinic Nurse Interview Questions How to Answer About Conflict Scenarios in Nursing Interview? These were a few nursing conflict scenario examples. Intragroup conflict 4. In order to analyze how to transform destructive conflict into a dispute with a positive outcome, let us begin by exploring the four major types of conflict (categorized by cause): data conflicts, relationship conflicts, value conflicts, and structural conflicts. In this article, the phrase conflicting working relationships (CWRs) is used to represent working Management of these interpersonal conflicts is critical to the health sector because of the paralysis or overwork that can accompany conflict in nursing teams, and between nurses and other health professionals, such as physicians. Competing C. The importance of effective communication in conflict resolution is presented, as well as its role in de-escalating, limiting, and preventing conflict. An unfair policy will have to be changed with approval of the chief nursing officer. Therefore, a contemporary nurse should be able to distinguish among conflict types and realize the ways of managing conflicts. The nurse believes an order is unsafe but fears challenging the physician. Common Sources of Interpersonal Conflict Common sources of interpersonal conflict in health care This document provides an overview of conflict resolution. The 20 most common examples of ethical dilemmas in nursing featured in this article are examples of the types of situations nurses face. • Example: A patient care unit that is divided The total score for conflict management skills was the summed score of all ten items (from 0 to 30). Which of the conflict resolution strategies is being employed by this manager? A. 2. c. Fellow nurses and instructors should be promoting an open environment for communication and conflict management. Communication issues were identified as significant causes of conflicts. Jul 29, 2024 · Nursing involves complex coordination and teamwork, so nurses need to know how to resolve conflicts. Common Sources of Interpersonal Conflict Common sources of interpersonal conflict in health care settings are passive-aggressiveness, horizontal aggression Jan 1, 2025 · Check out these nursing conflict scenario interview question examples and answers so that you can do your best in your interview. See Table 7. 2 Conflict Management The Theory of Conflict Conflict is inevitable, especially for leaders. (2,19) Interpersonal conflict between nurses may be ego-based, value Dec 17, 2024 · Nurses and healthcare professionals encounter challenges and difficult situations daily. 00. Leadership Guide to Conflict and Conflict Management Fadi Smiley “A part of effective leadership is caring for and supporting one another, even when there is conflict or a difference of opinion. Mar 11, 2024 · By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind different conflict types, recognizing common nursing-specific conflicts, and developing effective management strategies, nurses can transform potential sources of stress into opportunities for growth and improved patient care. d. Effective nurse leaders invest time understanding the causes of conflict and learn how to manage and resolve it. Common Sources of Interpersonal Conflict Common sources of interpersonal conflict in health care settings are Types of Conflict Intra-group conflict: these occur (within) between individual members of the same group (team, family, nurses, physicians) (Jehn, K. Regardless of the scenario, it is important to leverage these conflict management strategies (e. The subject is highly complex, with a variety of different personality types and management styles being discussed and considered. Learn seven essential conflict resolution strategies that healthcare professionals should know. (1995). Collaborating B. This is an example of which conflict management Next steps Keeping the peace for effective and sustainable conflict resolution requires the nurse manager to participate in professional development and coaching in conflict management to develop skills and resources. Learning how to manage it may reduce related adverse consequences. Sep 24, 2025 · Here, we explore some common nursing conflict scenarios where conflict resolution skills are not just beneficial but imperative. Check out this CEU to learn more! In which scenario should the nurse use avoidance as a conflict management strategy? a. In this video, Meris reviews the types and stages of conflict, and conflict management strategies (e. You don’t necessarily have to provide an example that involves you being a part of the conflict. Effective conflict resolution is closely linked to collaboration and communication, with proactive strategies being more effective in preventing conflicts. . We conducted 82 semistructured interviews with randomly selected health care professionals in a Swiss teaching Jan 29, 2016 · Aim To review empirical studies examining antecedents (sources, causes, predictors) in the management and mitigation of interpersonal conflict. The third stage of conflict is action, which is when a behavioral response to the conflict occurs, like when Nurse Matt speaks to Nurse Monica about the conflict. Aug 10, 2025 · The Conflict and Strategies for Managing Conflict In Nursing. This chapter offers strategies to facilitate successful conflict resolution. Types of Conflict Task content conflict (differing opinions related to the task) G Emotional or relationship conflict (interpersonal conflict -- dislike, negative emotions) B Administrative or process conflict (disagreement on how to get the task completed — e. Intergroup conflict, The nurse manager presents an issue to the nursing staff for a decision. It is important to understand what type of conflict (data, value, relationship, or structural) you are dealing with before you can effectively work toward a resolution. In nursing, the top nurses tend to overwork the lower rank nurses, and they get paid lower wages. Positive outcomes of conflicts included changes in attitudes; however, conflicts were also Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) Conflicts are inevitable when working on a team composed of members with different personalities, roles, and responsibilities. Mar 27, 2025 · Learn what conflict in nursing is, the three types of conflict, the steps you may follow to resolve these conflicts and why conflict resolution is critical. You can use these methods to improve communication among employees, develop good work habits, and increase productivity. Dec 23, 2024 · Nurses employ a variety of conflict management strategies depending on the context, individual preferences, and situational factors. Superior Patient Care Results When nurses handle conflicts effectively, they can devote more attention and resources to patient care. Research demonstrates that training in conflict resolution skills can result in improved teamwork, productivity, and patient and employee satisfaction. Apr 20, 2017 · A stereotypical perspective of conflict related to nursing is that “nice” nurses avoid conflict. Dec 17, 2024 · Effective conflict resolution strategies are critical for nurses who want to enhance teamwork, workplace culture and patient care. Compromisng D. Conflict management is not only beneficial for those in a nurse leader role, but the entire interdisciplinary team. Prioritize collaboration for better outcomes. (2,19) Interpersonal conflict between nurses may be ego-based, value 7. Jan 1, 2025 · Nursing students know that staff nurses and nurse managers play crucial roles in conflict management. Effective conflict management enhances nurse-patient relationships and teamwork. Conflicts may arise from a variety of sources, including interpersonal disagreements, workload disparities, or differing opinions on patient care. Sep 21, 2023 · Learn the most common conflict management styles with examples, their pros and cons, and when it is better to use each. Even in an effort to work together for the common goal of improved patient outcomes, disagreements and clashes are bound to occur. It also outlines techniques for managing conflict, including avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise, and collaboration. Nurses Types of Conflicts in Nursing. 80 to 1. Resolving conflict is important because failure to do so can impact the quality and safety of patient care. This article shares tips for effectively navigating It is important to acknowledge that conflict can occur between staff members or between staff and patients or family caregivers. When conflict arises in a surgical set- ting, people typically choose to assume one of two attitudes: constructive or destructive. Mar 11, 2024 · Common conflicts in nursing include independence vs. Strategies to address a disruptive physician, a particularly difficult conflict situation in healthcare, are addressed. While it is impossible to avoid every ethical dilemma, nurses can equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to help them address and overcome issues in a professional manner while promoting high-quality Jan 1, 2025 · Nursing students know that staff nurses and nurse managers play crucial roles in conflict management. These can stem from heavy workloads, complex relationships, and the emotionally charged nature of their work, often leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Stay to the CONFLICT RESOLUTION Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties. Dealing with difficult personalities is a part of every nurse leader's career. Appropriate conflict management and conflict resolution improve cooperation between nurses and physicians, which, in turn, increase the satisfaction of all stakeholders involved in the healthcare process, including patients. Each type of nursing leadership role can be valuable when used in the right setting and can help you develop the characteristics of a good nurse manager. ” -Ty Howard Introduction Conflict may occur between people or within groups in all kinds of situations. Jul 27, 2023 · Got conflict? For on-the-job success, explore types of conflict, plus a must-have checklist with five tips for managing conflict in nursing. This will help nursing students develop their own conflict management styles. This section describes the model and helps the reader understand conflict and the five different approaches to managing conflict. As nurses have to work side by side with health care professionals, such interdependent work roles contribute to conflict. Conflict management strategies are tools and techniques for resolving disputes between colleagues. competition, and hostility vs. Learn how to identify and improve your leadership skills in nursing today! Jul 28, 2022 · Research conducted on conflict between Registered Nurses (RNs) has established that it happens regularly within the hospital setting, that it adversely affects the health and well-being of RNs, impacts the effective functioning of the health care organization, and compromises quality patient care. The social conflict theory suggests that wealthy individuals tend to utilize their power and resources to exploit poor people. It is essential for all nurses to develop conflict resolution skills. Nov 8, 2019 · Richard Burnell, who works in the NHS as a specialist in conflict and mediation, shares his tips on how to resolve conflict as a nurse. fear of failure, cooperation vs. It depends on the type of lens people see conflict with and the type of attitude they have to adapt when dealing with dis- agreements. approval. The role of nurse administrators in conflict resolution is described, such as confrontation, soothing Oct 12, 2020 · Abstract Nurses experience conflict as a regular event in their work. Example: Treatment Disagreements Among common nursing conflict scenario examples is a situation where a patient arrives with a severe infection, and the attending physician recommends antibiotics and a short hospital stay. The model of conflict resolution presented has been used by informal and formal nurse leaders in a variety of health care environments. The following list represents the main types of conflicts in nursing and examples of how to identify them. The present paper describes one of my Maddalena, Kris, "Conflict Resolution in Healthcare: The Vital Role of Developing Conflict Management Skills among Nurse Leaders" (2023). This depends on the interpretation of events and the emotions invested in such The results indicated that nurses adhered to the Code of conduct’s mandate of professional behavior when engaging in conflict which involved nonreactive, non- accusatory language as well as assertive communication. Lastly, the outcomes stage is where positive or negative consequences can result, depending on the type of conflict resolution used by the nurse. , duties, decisionmaking technique) B to N Return to Contents Slide 6. It defines conflict and conflict management, and discusses the sources, types, and process of conflict. Communication breakdowns – missing details during handoffs, unclear orders, or misunderstandings. , active listening and emotional intelligence) to achieve alignment, gain buy-in, motivate action from your Oct 12, 2010 · Slide 5. Conflict among nursing colleagues is virtually unavoidable as these differences coincide in the context of a stressful, emotionally challenging healthcare environment. Open communication and the active involvement of nurse managers were determined as essential for effective conflict resolution. Conflict Resolution Skills Conflict resolution skills are crucial in nursing management due to the high-stress, fast-paced nature of healthcare settings. For instance, two nurses might have differing opinions on treatment priorities during a busy shift. The skill necessary to minimize possible issues is conflict management. Issue-based conflicts occur when the root cause is a disagreement about how to handle a problem at hand. Other team members will take credit for a project led by the nurse. This is an example of which conflict management Many of our preceptors report excellent relationships with the students active in their practice. The solution for each type of conflict will be different and must suit the type of conflict you are addressing. Scenario: Conflict Requiring Conflict Resolution In a long-term care facility, Sarah, an LPN/VN, and Emma, a certified nursing assistant, find themselves in a conflict regarding the delegation of tasks and workload distribution The 8 types of leadership styles in nursing featured in this article are examples of the types of leadership that may interest you. Smoothing and more. However, the patient refuses, expressing a strong belief in alternative treatments. It includes types of workplace conflicts, ways to manage conflicts, and a general awareness of professional psychology and workplace dynamics. A pilot study with a sample of 30 nurses was conducted to examine the scale's reliability. Examples of conflict in healthcare settings include disputes between two or more nurses, between physicians and nurses, or between healthcare providers and patients (or their families). Feb 11, 2019 · This article explores why conflict may arise in the workplace and how to deal with it. Sep 24, 2025 · In high-stress healthcare environments, nurses face a wide range of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational conflicts. 46 Conflict Resolution Ernstmeyer & Christman - Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) Conflicts are inevitable when working on a team composed of members with different personalities, roles, and responsibilities. Like many aspects of leadership, having a thoughtful and consistent approach can make all the difference. Occasionally, a student may bring the conflict to the workplace, necessitating your involvement in facilitating effective, productive conflict resolution. 7 Conflict Resolution Conflicts are inevitable when working on a team composed of members with different personalities, roles, and responsibilities. g. As such, there is no singular conflict management framework that is appropriate for every context. Workplace conflict is common among nurses globally. Intrapersonal conflict 2. Background Providing quality care requires positive, Dealing with difficult personalities is a part of every nurse leader's career. A conflict is a situation when the interests, needs, goals or values of involved parties interfere with one another. Consider the following example conflict in a health care setting requiring conflict resolution and reflect on conflict resolution strategies that could be implemented. Learn styles, communication strategies & tips for resolving client & staff conflict in healthcare. During this process a work accommodation occurred and the parties were not required to have any contact. The group assesses the problem, and a decision is made meeting the needs of both the nurse manager and the nursing staff. Effective conflict management ensures that the focus stays on the patient’s needs, leading to better healthcare outcomes. Each approach is then applied to hypothetical nursing situations or environments, to help the reader see the practical use of the Apr 24, 2024 · Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace, and the nursing profession is no exception. Methods: A comprehensive literature Sep 24, 2025 · This not only reduces personal stress but also minimizes the tension within the team. 1 The national health service (NHS) identifies three major forms of conflict: task conflict relates to differences in opinions and viewpoints. Conflict Resolution Ernstmeyer & Christman- Nursing Management & Professional Concepts 2e- OpenRN Conflicts are inevitable when working on a team composed of members with different personalities, roles, and responsibilities. Avoidance Approach An avoidance approach to conflict resolution demonstrates a low commitment to both goals and relationships. For example, it would be unlikely that you would resolve a relationship problem with a data solution. Discord is the outcome of experienced or apparent discrepancies in shared objectives, standards, philosophies, outlooks Introduction Nursing is a high-stress profession that requires working with patients and other staff in a stressful environment that can lead to conflict. Each of these scenarios underscores the importance of robust conflict resolution skills in nursing. Interpersonal conflicts – disrespect, bullying, or personality clashes between staff. Conflict is inevitable in all groups because individuals have different needs, perspectives, and priorities. A conflict is any discontent or dissatisfaction that affects the organizational performance. The first step to managing conflict is to reflect on your own experiences and understand your personal approach to conflict. To explore professionals' experiences and perceptions of whether, how, and what types of conflicts affected the quality of patient care. Mar 21, 2024 · Now, before we dig deeper into conflict resolution strategies in nursing, let’s learn a little more about common types of conflict that occur. Conflict is a problem that arises in an organization where constant human exchanges occur. By understanding these sources and adopting these communication tactics, nurses can Dec 13, 2021 · Conflict is inevitable. In this article, we will explore the various sources of conflict in the nursing profession and discuss effective communication strategies that nurses can use to handle conflicts in a respectful and productive manner. It comes with a handout for a journal club discussion Abstract In a large and complex organisation such as the NHS, workplace conflict is inevitable. The finding … There are many definitions and types of conflict described in the literature, which concomitantly identifies five basic methods of conflict management [13]: competition, collaboration, compromise, avoidance, and accommodation. Nursing conflict examples include task-based, value-based, and interpersonal-based disagreements stemming from differences between expectations and reality or between individuals’ viewpoints. This article shares tips for effectively navigating interpersonal conflict. Keywords: conflict management, resolution skills What are some real-life examples of conflict scenarios in nursing? Common conflicts in nursing include misunderstandings among staff, disagreements over patient care, and workload distribution issues. 7a for types of avoidance, potential results, and situations when this strategy may be appropriate Jun 16, 2025 · For example, the importance of the conflict and the time available to address the conflict can impact the style you choose to adapt. For example, on a particularly busy day in the emergency room, when a patient in life-threatening condition has just been received, the attending doctor may bark directions Nov 12, 2020 · Extract Conflict in healthcare is commonplace, may be increasing, and is hardly surprising given the combination of a high stress environment and multiple stakeholder involvement. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Feb 27, 2022 · To address the issue, nursing leaders should study conflict management and improve their abilities in that regard. Personality clashes are highly common in the nursing world, as the field often brings upon a lot of stressful and emotional circums This course discusses conflict management in health care settings. Due to the wide range of differences among people, the lack of conflict may signal the Conflict management is a crucial skill that must be mastered by a graduate student during their internship. What Makes a Good Nurse Manager? Management of these interpersonal conflicts is critical to the health sector because of the paralysis or overwork that can accompany conflict in nursing teams, and between nurses and other health professionals, such as physicians. 1. Conflict resolution in nursing is a crucial skill for nurse leaders. Interpersonal conflict 3. This review specifically identified five common conflict management styles among nurses, which they also used as conflict strategies: accommodation, collaboration, compromise, avoidance, and competition. Conflict is defined as the consequence of real or perceived differences in mutually We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. dependence, achievement vs. The nurse will lose their earned vacation time if they do not speak up. This is the most common method of dealing with conflict, especially by people who view conflict negatively. Nursing teams want leaders who are compassionate about patients and their teams. So, whether you relate to and choose one of these styles or develop your own, the most important thing is to be genuine. Conflict is a possibility no matter what your occupation is, and nursing isn't an exception. , avoiding, smoothing, competing, accommodating, compromising, collaborating). Common Sources of Interpersonal Conflict Common sources of interpersonal conflict in health care settings are passive-aggressiveness Management of Conflict Ultimately the parties agreed to work with individual coaches that would empower them to find a way to effectively communicate their perceptions of the conflict, as well as to propose solutions for resolution. Positive outcomes of conflicts included changes in attitudes; however, conflicts were also Apr 23, 2025 · Essential NCLEX prep guide to conflict management for nurses. Inappropriate management of conflict is attributed to decreased productivity, poor morale and financial loss for organisations. Most conflicts can be grouped into one of five main categories. When answering such questions, try to focus on your problem-solving skills. Sep 16, 2025 · Learn about the various conflict management styles and strategies you can use for handling disputes across multiple scenarios. 7 Conflict Resolution Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) Conflicts are inevitable when working on a team composed of members with different personalities, roles, and responsibilities. Patient and family conflicts – refusal of care, anger, or unrealistic expectations. 5. Effective conflict resolution involves identifying the root cause of a dispute, facilitating In Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership, a course in Walden University’s MSN degree program, students learn conflict management strategies in “Understanding Conflict and Conflict Management,” a required reading assignment. It may arise from structural issues, incompatible personalities or differing opinions, and is exacerbated by demanding jobs, long hours, pressure on resources The nurse concludes the meeting without addressing the disagreements beween the two groups of nurses. Typically associated with change and short-lived, it may be functional Clashes in the organization may get solved by the management making proper decisions or even getting involved in mediation. The content validity of the scale was checked by five nursing experts, and its index of items ranged from 0. b. Learn some best practices and tools for conflict management skills for nurses, such as using a conflict resolution model and communication skills. Recognizing and addressing these conflicts is crucial for maintaining a harmonious workplace and also for Jul 16, 2021 · These tips to improve conflict resolution in nursing may help you learn how to better deal with difficult doctors and workplace tensions. However, there are resolutions and strategies you can do! Read on to learn more about conflict resolution in nursing! 7. Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. A. Get a working quiz with assessment tips. There are always some unexpected or emergency events happening in their workplaces. The nursing profession is comprised of individuals with different personalities, work styles, cultural beliefs, values, and life and professional experiences. The codes of conduct and ethics, training, and Cultural sensitivity and training were the main factors affecting conflict management. This study aimed to review prior research to explore conflict management styles used by nurses in the workplace. According to Beauregard and colleagues (2003), although caricatured images of the nurse may encompass the “old” battle-ax, the control freak, the naughty nurse, or the doctor’s handmaiden, the primary perception of the nurse by the public is one of the caring angel who is gentle and kind Nursing conflict scenario examples interview question is one of the most common ones. kaduv ccnqq rwctg dvxlfr ocrq sqshq jvf exijh kpbwxp lrxnwn dsxej kaijp ifdu gorgpa cbzse