Conflict Resolution

I expected to learn as a manager how to manage conflict between employees and between managers and employees.

I learned that Troy thinks that most conflicts can be resolved on a win-win basis. That would be awesome if it were true, but people are too stupid. I also learned that there are different conflict resolution styles, and that most people want to be the cooperative type. But in real life that is not the case.

I will use the information to try and be more open to methods of resolving conflict.

Personally, I would have liked to have heard more about how a manager can resolve conflict where they work. I would have liked to have been given practical examples and real stories of how managers have been successful in this. I have nothing to look to because all of my managers through my life have been terrible at this, especially if they were part of the conflict. They tend to deflect, lie, use their power, ignore, or justify themselves. How should a good manager act when there is conflict between them and one or more of their employees?

Motivation

Prior to class I expected to learn how to motivate others.

I actually learned about what motivates people in the workplace. I also learned that while there are some main things that motivate, everyone has different motivators. A manager has to recognize that their employees will need to be motivated in a variety of ways in order to get everyone on board.

I will use this information by paying attention to what motivates me and paying attention to what motivates others. When in a managerial position, I will make sure to ask people what motivates them and pay attention to how each person reacts to different motivators.

My personal feelings about the material is that it was interesting but could have given us even more ideas of how to practically motivate others, instead of just theoretically.

Risk Management

Before class I expected to learn about situations that may arise that risk management would need to be involved in. I thought that we might talk about how to deal with these situations as they arise and how different organizations have their risk management departments set up.

I actually learned that most issues arise in the emergency department or L&D/MB. There weren't really any examples of much else so there must not be as big of an issue with other departments. I learned that while I still need to be careful, I shouldn't be as worried about lawsuits as I may have been in the past.

I will use this information by utilizing reporting systems to help improve patient care and always being honest about my conduct, even when I am embarrassed or afraid to speak out about something.

My personal feelings- I am very glad that we didn't have to stay for a full 3 hours. I was nervous when the speaker said she had planned 3 hours of material. Also, it was hard to concentrate with all the high-pitched noises that no one did anything about. The material itself was ok but kind of boring. There were parts that were interesting though.

Future of Nursing

Before class I thought we would talk about where we think the future of nursing is going and what we can do to be a part of it.

What I learned is that it doesn't matter what anyone thinks the future of nursing is or should be because nothing will happen about it anyway.

I will utilize this information by caring less about what happens to nursing as a profession so I don't get mad when everything stays status quo. Oh, and maybe one day I will lobby or try to start a movement for something that really truly matters- for instance not having reimbursement tied to HCAHPS. (completely insane).

My personal feelings....That people are stupid. I think people try too hard to decide on an ideal and try to create it.

Change

My attitude toward change: My attitude toward change is that it makes life more fun and interesting. I actually was offended by our class discussion because people implied that this can only be the case because I have never had to experience extreme change, and that I only like change when I like the change being made. These are both erroneous assumptions. I have had to deal with change in my life, one in particular that affected me adversely for over 6 years. And, I don't always like the changes being made, but I still like change itself. For example, I did not like the change in IV catheters that we were using, but enjoyed the challenge of trying something new. It was really hard for me at first because I was already concerned about my IV skills with the old catheters and assumed I would simply be worse with the new ones. Still, I did like having to relearn the skill. It probably sounds contradictory, but although I was afraid of and didn't "like" the change being made, I still enjoyed the new aspects and opportunities it brought. (this has been a short venting since I decided not to respond to the posts I found offensive to my personal character.)

What I thought we would learn: that healthcare is only changing faster and faster and we better learn to keep up with it.

What I actually learned: People respond to change differently. We have to consider everyone's reactions when making a change.

How I will apply it: continue to enjoy change and help others adapt.

My personal feelings: I was sad to see how others view me by their comments in the discussion. I like change. Whether I like the actual change or not, I like making adjustments. The only time I don't like change is when I clearly see why the new way is stupid, harmful, pointless, or simply a display of power.

Quality Control and Improvement

• What do you consider elements of quality care when receiving healthcare services?
• Receiving care from someone who is caring and explains well and adjusts their routine to be the best for each individual patient
• What do you consider elements of quality care as a professional nurse?
• Clinical expertise and being able to perform accurate, helpful care within the context of each individual patient.
• Are the two similar or different?
• They are different in that as a patient what is most important tends to be bedside manner. As a nurse, I place more emphasis on knowledge and utilization of resources to ensure appropriate care. However, in both cases I think one of the most vital components is the ability to individualize care.

What I expected to learn in class would include the elements (or possible steps) of quality improvement. I thought we would talk about the best way to approach this topic.

I actually learned many ways not to do it, and subsequently a better approach to take. I learned how complex the issue is, and that I am not sure I ever want to have to deal with it! separating out so many things would be so exhausting and never ending.

I can apply this in the future by helping others to see the importance of reviewing the many complexities of an issue before taking action or making a decision. I can also remember not to react to normal variance and overcompensate.

I was a little confused by the videos because it seemed what they were saying is that trying to make changes is bad because you pull yourself further from your goal- however, doing nothing is bad too because over time you will drift from it anyway. So I wonder when are we supposed to intervene? Does this mean that there is no good way/time to make changes? How do you tell the difference between normal variance and a problem to be solved?

Strategic Planning

I expected to learn what it means to strategically plan.

I actually learned some of the importance of planning ahead and consistently evaluating what you already have going on. The world is in a state of constant change, so we need to change too.

I will be more open and responsive to efforts to plan for the future and create a strategy that will help whatever organization I am working for.

I fell like this was a necessary element to learn about but it wasn't the most interesting topic.