CNA's commitment ot achieve environments that support professional practice

Connecticut Nursing News, Sep-Nov 2001

The Connecticut Nurses' Association (CNA) is dedicated to advancing development of professional nurses and the practice of nursing in order to promote health care for the people of Connecticut. The Association recognizes that there are many methods to achieve an environment supportive of professional practice. CNA has centered efforts on developing a workplace advocacy program that focuses on the individual nurse rather than the employer or organization. The core pieces are education and communication. It is designed to help nurses refine skills that promote open collaborative communication.

One tool designed to assist professional nurses with communication and resolution of workplace issues is the "Quick Reference to Workplace Issues" published by CNA. The purpose is to provide guidelines for nurses to help with this process. The following is taken from the "Quick Reference." See below for ordering this helpful reference.

EXAMPLES OF RESOLVING CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE

Mandatory Overtime

You are asked repeatedly to work overtime. This could be several hours or an additional shift. Are you required to work these overtime hours? Every nurse has a professional responsibility to his/her patients. However, by accepting the assignment of working overtime, you are accountable and responsible for your actions. If, due to fatigue, illness, or other reasons you question your ability to practice safely, you should take the following steps:

1. Notify your immediate supervisor in a timely manner of your decision not to work the extra hours. Give your supervisor adequate time to make other personnel arrangements.

2. If your immediate supervisor remains adamant about the assignment of extra hours, inform the next level of management.

3. Remember to use prudent judgment in your decision-making. (Prudent judgment means that a nurse acts in a manner to uphold the standards of nursing care as set by nurses with comparable education and experience practicing under similar circumstances in compliance with applicable laws and regulations).

4. If you do leave at the end of your assigned shift and do not work the overtime without having received approval, you may face disciplinary action by your employer including but not limited to reprimand, suspension, probation or termination, depending on your employer's policies and terms of employment.

5. Document the facts! Suggestions to include are the following:

* Why were you asked to work overtime?

* How long did the employer know of the need for additional personnel?

* Was it a long-standing "hole" in the schedule?

* Was it precipitated by an unforeseen event such as a patient emergency, unscheduled transfer into the unit, or an unscheduled absence of a staff member?

6. Problem-solve with your supervisor. If vacancies consistently occur at regular intervals, anticipate in scheduling alternatives designed to meet your unit's needs. Cooperate and collaborate together. Do not continue to be part of the problem!

7. Know your employer's policy regarding mandatory overtime. You may be required to find a substitute if you are unable to work the overtime shift.

8. Management is required to provide adequate staff. If you feel like this does not consistently occur on your unit, follow the appropriate chain of command (e.g. Nurse Administrator, and/or Facility Administrator). Other resources may include the Risk Manager, Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing, and/or the Connecticut Nurses' Association.

Conflict Management Process

1. Define the problem in terms of needs rather than solutions.

2. Involve all parties to arrive at possible resolutions.

3. Select the solution that best meets the needs of all parties.

4. Keep in mind the consequences of the solution.

5. Develop a plan including the persons) responsible for each step of the implementation.

6. Implement the plan.

7. Evaluate.

Nurses Quick Reference to Workplace Issues A Publication of CNA Workplace Advocacy Program

Send request and check to CNA, 377 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450-7160 or call CNA at 203 238 1207 if total is over $10 and you would prefer to use a credit card.