Often the best approach the conflict resolution is to keep an open mind; do not draw any preconceived conclusions about the person or the situation until all have had an opportunity to share and express their own point of view or experience. Maintain a calm, neutral and approachable appearance, this can make others feel more open and welcome to share and express. Many conflicts are the results of misunderstandings or miscommunications. Often in my current role I am the one to help facilitate these meetings/conversations where perhaps staff are having a conflict with another co-worker, for example- Day shift nurse feeling that the evening nurse is leaving all of the calls to families for the next day.

I was involved with a conflict with a co-worker, when trying to resolve the problem, they shut down and didn’t want to continue the conversation. When we both had time to recollect ourselves and our thoughts, we came to a mutually agreed upon resolution because we both knew we cannot continue in this type of situation and need to have a compromission for the outcome.

Great points were made through the conversation. Conflicts are often hard to navigate, and WeRPN has created toolkits to help with de-escalation and workplace violence prevention to help in matters leading to conflict.