General strategies to modify/refocus unproductive behaviors

The management of problem employee behaviors is often the most difficult component of the nurse manager's role. Discipline is viewed as a negative task rather than as an opportunity to refocus employee energies or modify unworkable behaviors. The nurse manager must deal with his or her own reactivity toward the employee who exhibits problem behaviors. The nurse manager's approach will have a major impact on determining the outcome of the interventions. The use of confrontation, refocusing, or modifying problem employee behavior are general strategies to assist in optimizing employee resources to meet the mission of the institution and the functioning of the unit.