USING PEER NEGOTIATION TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS BETWEEN COLLEAGUES 1

As nurses, it is our responsibility to work effectively with others in order to provide care.

However, whenever people collaborate, conflicts inevitably arise. In general, conflict raises

anxiety. When interacting with a specific peer or peer group causes anxiety or anger, the

presence of conflict should be considered. Once the presence of conflict has been determined,

look for the source of the conflict and label it as personal or professional. Peer negotiation may

not be appropriate if the issue is personal in nature. It may be preferable to use self-awareness

and self-examination techniques to determine the nature of the conflict. (Arnold & Boggs, 2020).

Sharing feelings about a conflict with others can help to lessen its ferocity. It is

confusing, for example, when nursing students first enter a nursing program or clinical rotation,

but this is not discussed, and students frequently believe they should not be confused or

uncertain. As a nursing student, you will encounter difficult interpersonal situations. These

circumstances may cause you to feel lonely or self-conscious about your nursing abilities in

comparison to those of your peers (Arnold & Boggs, 2020). These emotions are universal at the

start of any new experience. Sharing them with one or two peers usually reveals that others have

had similar experiences. Peer negotiation is a process in which two or more people with

opposing viewpoints or needs communicate in order to find a mutually acceptable solution to a

problem (Potter, et al., 2018).

During my work experience, I have noticed the biggest reason for conflicts is

miscommunication. I remember one morning my coworker suddenly started ignoring me, which

was very strange for me. During lunchtime, I asked why you are ignoring me. Then I found out

that she feels that our work is not equally divided and she is working more than me. Then I

explained that I wasn’t feeling good and I wanted the day off, but my manager said he will only
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assign me light work and requested me to show up for work due to staff shortage. She

understood and was happy to help me with my work. I felt really good that I talked to her and

resolved the situation. Occasionally you may have to work with a peer with whom you develop a

“personality conflict.” Stop and consider what led up to the current situation. In general, it is due

to the accumulation of small annoyances that occur over time. The best method is to verbalize

occurrences rather than ignoring them until they become a major problem. Avoid “the blame

game,” and discuss in a private, calm moment what you both can do to make things better.

Modelling positive interactions may assist in resolution (Potter, et al., 2018).

Peer negotiation can be an effective strategy for resolving conflicts between colleagues

in a nursing work environment. It has the potential to encourage open communication,

collaboration, and trust among coworkers. Identifying the issue, openly discussing the problem,

exploring possible solutions, and selecting a mutually acceptable solution are some key steps in

peer negotiation (Vallejo & Iglesias, 2012).

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References

Arnold, E., & Boggs, K. (2020). Interpersonal Relationships. Elsevier Health Sciences (US).

Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Astle , B. J., Duggleby, W., Stockert, P. A., & Hall, A. M. (2018).

Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Vallejo, R. B., & Iglesias, M. E. (2012, December). Conflict resolution styles in the nursing

profession. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23343235/