Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Prepared By:
Shaier Khan
Sr. Nursing Instructor
SWCON
Definitions & Introduction
Assertiveness is the skill of standing up for yourself and
getting exactly what you want.
It is the art of confident, clear, honest and direct
communication, while at all times retaining respect for
other people (Dainow & Bailey, 1988; Dickson, 1982).
Assertiveness is non-aggressive, non-defensive and non-
manipulative & it does not interfere with other people’s
freedom to take an assertive stance.
Cont…
To be assertive is not always to get your own way, at
times though being assertive, we may compromise on
some issue without compromising our own self worth
(Lindenfield, 1986).
It is uncaring to be assertive
If someone says ‘no’ to my request, they
don’t like or love me
I shouldn’t have to say what I need – people
close to me should know
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Assertiveness is viewed as:
A valued behavior within nursing, resulting in positive
outcomes such as the enhancement of leadership skills
(Milstead, 1996)
An increase in job satisfaction (Creech & Boyle, 1985)
An avoidance of compromising patient care
(Poroch and McIntosh, 1995)
Alleviation of job stress & anxiety (Bower, 1999)
The heightening of nurses’ effectiveness in bringing
about change (Benton, 1999)
A greater insight into the factors that influence the
responding style is necessary
Advantages & Disadvantages
In addition,
It increases self esteem, can lead to mutual respect,
keeps us from being taken advantage of by other
people.
Disadvantages
Can have negative consequences (others don’t like
what you’re saying), causes conflict that has to be
dealt with.
Also, just because you’re assertive doesn’t mean
you always get what you want.
Why is Assertiveness Important?
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References
1. Kagan C & Evans J. Professional interpersonal skills
for nurses; 2001. Nelson Thornes Ltd: Cheltnham; UK.