Sociological Sciences Journal

Sociological Sciences Journal

            Interpersonal conflicts are common across all professions, and nursing is not an exception. Nurses may have conflicts with novices, especially when their education levels are higher (Brinkert, 2010). As a result, experienced nurses might have issues trying to help novices, knowing they might have higher ranks than them once they catch up with their respective skill sets. The readings for this week focuses on sociological sciences, including the social factors and issues that constrain and shape health behaviors. Nurses with adequate knowledge of sociology can understand how to effectively interact with other nurses as they provide care in the healthcare setting.

Nursing theories are fundamental in healthcare as they equip nurses with the appropriate knowledge across diverse fields as they interact with patients and provide quality care.  This week’s case study reflects on the conflicts that take place in healthcare, with related theories that can be used in solving the conflicts. The case study also sheds light on the theories that can be applied in conflict resolution involving healthcare professionals. Natalie, a novice nurse with a master’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Russia, thinks about quitting her career due to a lack of adequate experience in nursing practice. What makes the situation worse is her colleagues, Susan and Pam, who have ten years of experience but do not offer Natalie moral support and encouragement. Susan and Pam only have ADN degrees, and they make Natalie uncomfortable in the hospital by gossiping and telling her that they wonder how she has those qualifications yet lacks proper practice skills.

In this case study, Natalie finds it hard to blend in with her roles and experiences role strain, as she fails to put her knowledge into practice effectively. The role theory can be used to explain Natalie’s current experience as she does not seem to understand her role in giving care despite having the required qualifications. Role behavior is necessary for nursing care, and nurses need to apply proper role behaviors as they deal with coworkers, patients, and other medical staff. Role behavior requires nurses to understand their roles in caregiving, including managing complex equipment and medications. All in all, nurses get to understand their roles with time as they get more experience while they handle more complex equipment, patients, and medication.

Conflict theory involves aspects like authority and domination. These aspects can be seen from the behaviors of Pam and Susan, who fear that Natalie might take over their positions since she has a higher education level. Conflict theory can be useful in explaining Natalie’s current situation as she finds it hard to fit in her new role and almost gives up her career. The situation depicts the daily conflicts that occur in the healthcare setting and calls for the collaboration and corporation of healthcare professions in giving care to patients.

Social exchange theory is a concept that is based on the view that a relationship involving two people is established through a cost-benefit analysis process (Cook, Cheshire, Rice, & Nakagawa, 2013). With that being said, both individuals need to put in the effort to build the relationship. This theory can be used to explain Natalie’s experience as she realizes that her colleagues do not mutually associate her as they gossip about the lack of her expertise and even question her education level. As a result, Natalie feels discouraged and feels like resigning to withdraw from the situation.

I can relate to the case study as I was involved once in an interpersonal conflict with one of the licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) that I was assigned to supervise during one of my clinical rotations. Our interaction was part of task delegation, where I instructed her to perform some tasks on several occasions. I had found the LVN in the facility, thus making her more experienced than me in terms of handling hospital medications and the hospital’s equipment, including ventilators. I could feel her resistance each time I requested her to set up the ventilator machine for the patients I had been assigned to, as she could occasionally decline the task. My supervisor intervened through the use of the Communication Accommodation Theory, which enhanced our communication skills and supported our interactions. According to Giles (2016), this theory calls for nurses to use proper verbal and non-verbal modifications to their behavior to promote improve their interactions.

References

Brinkert, R. (2010). A literature review of conflict communication causes, costs, benefits and interventions in nursing. Journal of nursing management, 18(2), 145-156.

Cook, K. S., Cheshire, C., Rice, E. R., & Nakagawa, S. (2013). Social exchange theory. In Handbook of social psychology (pp. 61-88). Springer, Dordrecht.

Giles, H. (2016). Communication accommodation theory. The international encyclopedia of communication theory and philosophy, 1-7.