Conflict management as a nurse's competency in the surgical ward

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Competencies

Background:

• Conflict is inherent in healthcare settings, impacting team dynamics and patient care.
• Effective conflict management is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
• Nurses play a vital role in navigating and resolving conflicts within surgical wards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' perceptions of conflict management as a professional competence.
• To identify strategies employed by nurses for managing conflicts in a surgical ward setting.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, exploratory study conducted in a public hospital in Minas Gerais.
• Data collected from nurses in a surgical ward between June and December 2024.
• Inductive content analysis applied to qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Key factors influencing conflict management competence include interprofessional, ethical, and communication skills.
• Common causes of conflict identified are work overload and other workplace stressors.
• Effective management strategies involve team meetings and respectful dialogue, contributing to improved care quality.

Conclusions:

• Nurses perceive conflict management as an essential professional competence, integrating technical, emotional, and communication skills.
• Identified strategies reflect efforts to create harmonious work environments.
• Improved conflict management directly contributes to enhancing the overall quality of patient care.