Conflicted

This week we focused on conflict and how best to deal with conflict. This included discussions on Union vs. Non-Union. I have actually had years of experience with a Union when we lived in California. My husband worked within the Carpenters Union and Glazier's Union in California. It was great for us. My husband is a hard worker and didn't take advantage of the situation. Instead, he worked hard for his company and was dedicated to their needs. As a result, he moved into management. This was a bit tricky when strikes occurred because management was expected  to be focused on company goals and not union benefits. There were times when he had to cross a picket line and do the job he was hired to do. The best part about the union was the excellent benefits we received when we were raising a young family. I really think that if management and employees work together for the benefit of all, unions would not be necessary. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.

Conflict is never easy. Conflict at work can make the job and the shift an uncomfortable place to be. My method of dealing with conflict is to find a direct, non-threatening way to bring the conflict up front and work through it. I can be so much more productive when I don't have conflict and drama getting in the way of my responsibilities.

When I was younger I may have held onto that anger or held a grudge but now that I have a broader perspective, life is just too short and there is work to be done. I would rather give someone the benefit of the doubt and try to see their perspective. It is going to be easy to work through conflict with someone else they do not feel threatened or defensive. Most of the time, conflict stems from something other than the actually triggering event. It can stem from a personal matter or a lack of self-esteem, jealousy or feelings of inadequacy. 

The hospital is not a theater. It is a place of healing not a place for drama. As with any aspect of life, if we just put aside pride and selfishness, we can work through any conflict diplomatically and find resolution. We need to find what is best for the situation, no the individuals involved.

Strategic Planning

These are important questions to consider when setting goals and making a strategic plan.

As with any of the subjects we have discussed this semester, there are many areas of planning that need to be considered. These include vision, marketing, planning and solutions. Just as we discussed with budgeting, it is essential that strategic plans and reviewed and altered as changes become necessary. Without proper planning and consistent review, you could be left out in the cold not knowing what to do next.

This week we discussed strategic planning in class. We were split into two groups and we were to plan as though we were a medical company in charge of doctor's offices, specialty clinics, hospitals, and similar facilities. We were to take into consideration growth in the community and the best place to facilitate change and growth. We also made a 1 year, 2 year and 5 year plan for goals and growth. This assignment made me think of what city planners do at the start of their community and maintain each year to facilitate necessary growth and changes. It is a lot to consider and there are many things to factor in. The same idea is necessary when planning for expansion of medical and hospital facilities. The growth of the community is a huge facet to consider. For example, the Geneva area is seeing a lot of community growth. An urgent care facility or doctor's office may be something to consider in an area that is growing and has the potential to become a large community.

I really felt like the lesson for budgeting and strategic planning were one in the same. In order to succeed, you need a good plan and the money in the right place to bridge the gap between success and failure.

Stepping Outside the Box

This week we focused on "Change" and how change is good. There is constant change at work. I can say for nursing that change is important. The best phrase I heard this week in school was....

If we keep doing things the same way, nothing gets better. 


This is such a true statement. When I first started as a nurse I was just keeping my head above water. However, now I really understand the need for constant monitoring and change when necessary. It is too easy to fall into a routine and never progress. This is really the same with life in general. If we don't continually assess and look for areas that need improvement, we will remain stagnant.

Five years ago when I decided to go back to school, I stepped outside the box. I stepped outside my comfort zone. I because a student in my 40's. I left the comforts of my stay-at-home-mom life to join the ranks of college students. Everything was new to me, especially perspectives. But I think the key to change is in our perspective. If we expand the borders of our perspective by thinking and moving and living outside the box, we can embrace what change brings.

We were challenged this week to do things differently. Again, it is so easy to fall into a routine of doing things like parking in the same spot, following the same pattern of getting ready each day, driving the same route to and from work or school, or even eating the same foods. So we were asked to shake things up a bit. Here is a list of what I did differently this week...

I decided not to stress about being late to school (I am never late) because I really needed the extra time.

I took the freeway to school. My husband always says it's faster but I like the way I usually go.

Parked in a different spot when I went shopping (I am such a creature of habit usually).

Changed how I use my brain (1 sheet of paper with patient information on it) at work to simplify and streamline what I do each shift.

Rearranged my bedroom furniture.

Biggest thing.... I changed which side of the bed I sleep on at night.

For the most part, these are things I did in my personal life. One thing that I do for work every shift is I review what I think didn't go well that night and I find ways to change what I am doing so it never happens again. For example, if during shift change the oncoming nurse asks a question that I don't know how to answer, I make certain that I always have that information in the future. Or, if I am not administering patient's pain meds when they are expecting them, I look for ways to keep on top of the timing of their meds. I have found that as I do this, I improve how my patients are taken care of. It has helped me refine my skills over this past year.

The one thing I haven't changed up yet has been ordering something different at my favorite places to eat. I will work on this.... maybe!

Change is good, change means improvement has a chance to happen. Change means errors are less likely to happen. Daily assessing when and where change can be made is essential for improvement and personal growth.