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Assertiveness in Nursing Practice
An action research and reflection project
Beverley Taylor
Professor, School of Nursing and Health Care Practices, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW
Paul Edwards
PhD Candidate and Mental Health Nurse, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, NSW
Beth Holroyd
Mental Health Nurse, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, NSW
Anna Unwin
Nurse Educator, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, NSW
Joanne Rowley
PhD Candidate and Nurse Researcher, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, NSW
Abstract
This article describes an action research project that highlighted reflective processes, so hospital nurses could work systematically through problem solving processes to uncover constraints against effective nursing care; and to improve the quality of their care in light of the identified constraints and possibilities.
Four Registered Nurses (RNs) co-researched their practice with the facilitator and over the research period identified the thematic concern of the need for assertiveness in their work. The RNs planned, implemented and evaluated an action plan and, as a direct result of their reflections and collaborative action, they improved their nursing practice in relation to becoming more effective in assertiveness in work situations.
Keywords
action research, reflective practice, assertiveness, nursing practice
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