Self-management is the ability to control one’s own emotions and behavior. In this scenario, I can demonstrate self-management by:
- Acknowledging and accepting my emotions. It is normal to feel shocked, frustrated, and even angry when faced with a decision that will negatively impact my team and my patients. I will allow myself to feel these emotions, but I will not dwell on them.
- Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm. This will help me to think clearly and respond professionally.
- Reframing the situation in a more positive light. For example, I can remind myself that this is a temporary issue and that I am still in control of my unit. I can also focus on the fact that I have a strong team and that we will work together to get through this.
Social competence is the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with others. In this scenario, I can demonstrate social competence by:
- Staying calm and respectful in my interactions with my CNO and CFO. I will avoid arguing or making accusations.
- Listening carefully to their concerns and acknowledging their perspective.
- Expressing my own concerns in a clear and concise manner. I will focus on the impact that increased nurse-to-patient ratios will have on my team and my patients.
- Being willing to compromise. I may not be able to prevent the increase in ratios altogether, but I may be able to negotiate for other resources or support for my team.
b) Responding to my CNO using the Theory of Emotional Intelligence
Here is an example of how I can respond to my CNO using the Theory of Emotional Intelligence:
Me: Thank you for sharing this information with me. I understand that this is a difficult decision, but I am concerned about the impact that it will have on my team and my patients.
CNO: I appreciate your concern. I want to assure you that this is a temporary measure and that we are committed to providing safe and high-quality care to our patients.
Me: I am glad to hear that. Can you tell me more about the factors that led to this decision?
CNO: We are experiencing a seasonal high census, and we are short-staffed due to a number of factors, including vacations, sick leave, and retirements.
Me: I understand. Can I offer some suggestions for how to mitigate the impact of increased nurse-to-patient ratios?
CNO: Certainly.
Me: One suggestion is to provide additional support staff, such as certified nursing assistants or unit clerks. This would free up nurses to focus on direct patient care. Another suggestion is to create a plan for prioritization of care. This would help nurses to ensure that the most critical patients are receiving the care that they need.
CNO: Thank you for your suggestions. I will take them into consideration.
This response demonstrates self-management and social competence in the following ways:
- I stay calm and respectful throughout the interaction.
- I listen carefully to my CNO’s concerns and acknowledge her perspective.
- I express my own concerns in a clear and concise manner.
- I am willing to compromise and offer suggestions for how to mitigate the impact of increased nurse-to-patient ratios.
Additional thoughts on responding to the CNO
It is important to remember that the CNO is also facing a difficult situation. She is trying to balance the need to provide safe and high-quality care to patients with the need to manage the hospital’s budget. It is important to be respectful of her challenges and to work together to find a solution that works for everyone.
Another important point is to be prepared. Before the meeting with the CNO and CFO, I should take some time to think about my concerns and to develop some suggestions for how to mitigate the impact of increased nurse-to-patient ratios. This will show the CNO that I am serious about the issue and that I have put some thought into possible solutions.
Finally, I should be prepared to walk away from the meeting if necessary. If the CNO is not willing to listen to my concerns or to work with me to find a solution, I should be prepared to escalate the issue to the next level.
