Assertiveness in Nursing
Assertiveness is an important skill to the nursing profession. It is not taught in nursing
school, but developed over time, as one’s confidence grows within their own nursing
practice. Florence Nightingale used her assertiveness to gain respect for the profession of
nursing. Many times she applied her energy and focus without recognition. “To
influence her causes, Nightingale had to use “referent power” – to make a public impact
by collaborating, in private, with men who exerted external influence from their
collaborations with her” (Begley, 2010, p. 322). In other words, Nightingale was
assertive in a positive way to achieve her desired goals.
Assertiveness when used correctly can produce positive results. When used incorrectly,
assertiveness can be interpreted as aggressive behavior. “ One is about self-respect and
expressing your validly held opinions, the latter is about disrespecting the other person
and denying them their opportunity to express their opinions” (Curtis, Tzannes, & Rudge,
2011, p. 18). “Especially in the field of nursing, the ability to deliver an appropriately
assertive response, to a potentially negative and/or harmful situation, is a critical – even
potentially lifesaving - skill” (Gaddis, 2008, p. 17). When exercising assertiveness, clear,
concise communication is essential. Clear to allow the receiver the opportunity to
understand, concise as time is of the essence.
Assertiveness is a part of my personal and professional life. In my personal life, I have to
be careful in using it. I tend to be competitive by nature, and at times use assertiveness to
obtain goals in my favor. In my professional practice I have learned to use it on behalf of
the patient to produce positive outcomes. As a newly licensed RN, I was not assertive. I
did not have the knowledge or confidence to even think about integrating it into my
practice. Over time I gained confidence through experience, and having strong role
models as coworkers. “It demeans all of us when a nurse is unable to assertively and
professionally assert themselves in a responsible and firm way” (Gaddis, 2008, p. 17).
Politics and nursing policies are becoming increasingly important to our profession.
Issues related to entry into practice, and nurse-patient ratios are decisions that need to be
made by nurses for nurses. For this to occur more nurses need to become more
politically involved, whether it is thru professional nursing organizations or committees.
In the US only 7% of the 2.6 million nurses are members in a professional nursing
organization (Boswell, Cannon, & Miller, 2005). “Based on the low numbers of nurses
in professional organizations, the nursing image and ability to become politically
effective is diminished” (Boswell, Cannon, & Miller, 2005, p. 6).
Education and curriculum changes have been identified as solutions to help nurses
understand and become involved in nursing politics. Three approaches have been
suggested by Conger and Johnson (2000) to accomplish this. “These approaches include
(a) baccalaureate level, a focus should be on policy development and political activism
that could be based in community health nursing course; (b) Master’s level a focus should
be to encompass the social responsibility to be leaders in healthcare reform; and (c)
doctoral level, the focus should be placed on policy analysis, research and policy
formation” (Boswell, Cannon, & Miller, 2005, p. 6).
Accomplishing nurse activism will take more than the power of one. As mentioned
earlier membership in professional nursing organizations is very low. I believe a
licensing requirement should be membership in a professional nursing organization of
one’s choice. By increasing professional memberships, nurses would stay abreast of
current nursing issues, motivating them to take action. At the very minimum it is our
responsibility and privilege to vote in all elections. “As patient advocates, nurses cannot
continue to be spectators in the political arena” (Boswell, Cannon, & Miller, 2005, p. 5).
Lessons Learned
There were many lessons learned in this course. The first lesson that comes to mind is
nursing theory. Not only did I learn the importance of nursing theory, I now understand
ways to incorporate theory into my practice. Through my Nursing 324, 325, and English
321 courses, my writing skills have improved and become easier. I have developed a
systematic approach to research and writing papers. My critical thinking skills are
improving. Let’s not forget APA format! This is one area I still need improvement in,
hopefully before the 7th edition is published.
Insight, where there is a will there is a way. Nurses can do anything! Although I was
overwhelmed in the beginning (to say the least), I am very happy to have successfully
completed this semester. As an associate degree nurse for 23 years, my mindset is
changing. The importance of advanced education is crucial to the nursing profession. As
a member of group one, I would like to thank my group members for all the effort and
support they have provided. To the students of the RN-BSN program, best wishes.
Begley, A. (2010). On being a good nurse: Reflections on the past and preparing for the
future. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16, 525-532.
Boswell, C., Cannon, S., & Miller, J. (2005). Nurses’ political involvement:
Responsibility versus privilege. Journal of Professional Nursing, 21(1), 5-8.
Curtis, K., & Tzannes, A., & Rudge, T. (2011). How to talk to doctors-a guide for
effective communication. International Nursing Review, 58, 13-20.
Gaddis, S. (2008). Positive, assertive “pushback” for nurses. New Hampshire Nursing
News, 17.