7 Gryzmish: toward an understanding of collaboration

Nurses and physicians have a long history of conflicted relationships. The conflict is multifaceted and deeply rooted in a mesh of social, economic, and professional issues. This legacy makes collaboration very difficult, but not impossible, to achieve. The barriers imposed by history must be dismantled for nurses and physicians to forge a new relationship. This new relationship will not just happen. It requires a vision, an unswerving commitment, and a leap of faith that collaboration will dramatically improve patient care and provider satisfaction. Collaborative relationships, although positive and progressive, are not easily forged. People must examine and work on their inner feelings. Physicians and nurses need to communicate openly and address conflict directly. Role realignment causes anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration. Often it may seem easier to revert to former patterns of behavior. Dysfunctional as those may be, they offer role familiarity. Collaboration is a conscious, learned behavior that must be constantly nurtured, reinforced, and reflected on, for it holds great promise for both patients and providers.