¶ … conflict can have many negative implications for an organization if it is mismanaged, some conflict is necessary for an organization to move forward. Conflict must be managed in an effective way so it generates positive policies rather than personal animosity and in-fighting between staff members.
Pinpointing the sources of conflict is essential: is the conflict due to the fact that nurses are understaffed? Are unpleasant shift times being unfairly allocated? Is there a personality conflict? Addressing the root cause, particularly if it is an institution-wide, systemic issue, can be a powerful way to address conflict and reduce the likelihood of conflict being stirred up yet again in the future.
Creating mentorship programs can address specific conflict-related issues such as workplace hazing or the tendency of more experienced nurses to 'eat their young' or act cruelly to less experienced subordinate nurses. "There are mentors who believe that if they are hard on new nurses, it will help them become more competent and stronger overall care providers…The problem with that training tactic is that it sidesteps the theory that competence comes from confidence" (Katz 2014). Mentors need to learn how to orient nurses in a positive fashion rather than fostering a climate of negativity.
References
Katz, K. (2014). Bullying in nursing: Why nurses 'eat their young' and what to...
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