Assertiveness

Question 1

What is assertiveness?

Answer 1

the ability to communicate your preferences, ideas, and feelings in a manner that is clear and direct

Question 2

What are the 5 characteristics of assertive communication?

Answer 2

Openness
Confidence
Self-awareness
Respect for others
Independens

Question 3

How do you improve your assertiveness?

Answer 3

observe/analyze message of others

analyze the situations in which you are assertive, non-assertive, and aggressive

When communicating:
describe the problem
state how this problem affects you
propose solutions that are workable
confirm understanding
reflect on your own assertiveness

Question 4

What are some strategies for assertive communication?

Answer 4

use I statements

express feelings

project confidence

active listening

say no with an explanation

Question 5

What are the three negative communication styles (non-assertive)

Answer 5

PASSIVE: don’t complain, submissive

PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE: avoid conflict, talk about it after the fact, complain to others

AGGRESSIVE: strong opinions, express self at others, overbearing, angry, put others down

Question 6

What does an assertive nurse look like?

Answer 6

recognize that everyone communicates with different degrees of assertiveness

self-confident and composed

maintains eye contact

uses clear and concise speech

speaks genuinely and without sarcasm

speaks firmly and positively

non-apologetic

takes initiative

gives the same message verbally and nonverbally

Question 7

Explain the relationship between assertiveness and caring and why it is important.

Answer 7

Allows you to treat others fairly while taking care of your own needs

people respect clear, open, honest, communication

a caring approach helps to facilitate a change in behavior

if you care enough about yourself to be assertive, you will know how to care for others

Question 8

Why is it important for nurses to be able to set limits?

Answer 8

allows you to maintain care for yourself

maintain professionalism

Question 9

What are the steps to setting limits?

Answer 9

Explain exactly WHICH behaviour is inappropriate

Explain WHY

give REASONABLE choices and consequences

allow time

enforce consequences

Question 10

What should be avoided when setting limits?

Answer 10

demanding compliance
giving unreasonable alternatives
using individual/group punishment inappropriately
giving double messages
arguing
interrupting
overriding another person's decision
threatening, ridiculing, belittling
giving consequences without explanations