Conflict resolution in nursing practice

Title: Managing and Resolving Recurring Conflict in Clinical Care: Report for Nursing Practice

Assessment context

• Course: Leadership and Management in Nursing (Undergraduate/Pre‑registration or RN–BSN).

• Level: Year 2–3 undergraduate or bridging RN program.

• Assessment type: Individual written report.

• Length: 6 pages (approx. 1800–2200 words).

• Weighting: 20% of course grade (Assessment 2).

• Deadline: Submit via LMS by the date/time specified by module coordinator.

Purpose

• Demonstrate ability to identify, analyse, and manage recurring conflict in clinical settings.

• Link theory (Finkelman’s four stages of conflict) with a real unresolved conflict example.

• Evaluate role of delegation and propose an evidence‑based collaborative resolution plan with a nurse leader.

Learning outcomes (mapped)

• Describe types and sources of conflict in healthcare teams and their influence on patient care.

• Apply Finkelman’s four stages of conflict to a real clinical example.

• Critically evaluate how delegation practices contributed to the conflict.

• Propose a feasible collaborative conflict management plan with measurable actions and evaluation.

• Use current literature to support analysis and plan (minimum three peer‑reviewed sources from 2018–2026).

Task instructions (explicit)

1. Title page: student name, ID, course code, assessment title, word count, date.

2. Executive summary (150–200 words): summarise the conflict, type, key analysis, and recommended action.

3. Main report body (approx. 5 pages): use the headings below.

   • A. Description of the unresolved conflict (Detail what happened): describe who was involved, location, what was said or done, sequence, and why you judged it unresolved. Be specific about dates/times if available and maintain confidentiality (use pseudonyms).

   • B. Conflict classification and root causes: identify the type(s) of conflict (task, relationship, process, role, value, structural) and discuss underlying causes (e.g., workload, unclear roles, resource constraints, communication failures).

   • C. Finkelman’s four stages of conflict: outline the four stages (latent, perceived, felt, manifest; and potentially aftermath/resolution) and apply each stage to your example with evidence from your description.

   • D. Delegation analysis: decide if delegation was a factor. Specify delegation errors (unclear instructions, inappropriate allocation, inadequate supervision, scope of practice breaches), and link to standards of practice.

   • E. Impact on patient care and team functioning: describe actual or potential patient safety/quality consequences, staff morale, and workflow disruptions. Use literature to support claims.

   • F. Conflict management plan and nurse leader collaboration: propose a detailed plan co‑developed with a nurse leader including short‑term and long‑term actions, communication steps, delegation corrections, conflict resolution techniques, timeline, responsible persons, and measurable indicators for success. Include escalation pathways if initial steps fail.

   • G. Reflection and lessons learned: brief critical reflection on your role, what you would do differently, and learning needs.

4. References: APA 7th edition. Minimum three peer‑reviewed sources (2018–2026).

5. Appendices (optional): flowchart of delegation process, incident timeline, meeting minutes template, staff feedback template.

Formatting and submission standards

• 6 pages double spaced, 12‑point font (Times New Roman/Calibri), 1″ margins, reasonable headings/subheadings. Word count target 1800–2200 words.

• Use in‑text APA citations for all claims drawn from literature.

• Submit as Word or PDF via LMS; include completed cover sheet and word count.

• Maintain confidentiality and avoid identifying patients or staff.

Marking rubric (100 marks)

1. Description of conflict — 15 marks

   • Clear, specific, chronological account; relevant stakeholders and setting named as pseudonyms; demonstrates why conflict is unresolved. (Low: vague; High: precise factual narrative with context)

2. Classification and root cause analysis — 15 marks

   • Correctly classifies conflict type(s) and uses systems thinking to identify root causes supported by evidence.

3. Application of Finkelman’s four stages — 20 marks

   • Accurate explanation of stages and precise mapping to the described example; analytical rather than descriptive.

4. Delegation critique — 15 marks

   • Critical evaluation of delegation issues with reference to scope of practice, guidelines, and corrective steps.

5. Management plan and nurse leader collaboration — 20 marks

   • Realistic, evidence‑based plan with specific actions, responsibilities, timeline, measurable outcomes, and escalation procedures.

6. Writing quality, referencing, and professionalism — 15 marks

   • Logical structure, clear academic writing, correct APA citations, spelling/grammar, and adherence to length.

Plagiarism and integrity

• All work must be original; cite sources; paraphrase; any evidence of copying or contract cheating will be processed per institutional academic integrity policy.

Sample student excerpt (6–8 sentences) — high‑quality example with one embedded reference link

• Example paragraph (place near the start of the Main Body under “Description of conflict”):
  During a high‑acuity evening shift on the medical‑surgical ward, a recurring conflict developed between the night charge nurse and a senior staff nurse over whether venous thromboembolism risk assessments should be completed by bedside nurses or centralised by the unit clerk; the disagreement escalated during handover when the charge nurse insisted assessments were being missed, and the senior nurse responded that competing medication rounds and staffing shortfalls made bedside completion impractical. The issue recurred across three shifts and triggered missed prophylaxis orders on one occasion, which is why I classified the conflict as unresolved; efforts to pass the task to the clerk without clarifying delegation responsibilities created ambiguity and task omission. This conflict is primarily a process and role conflict because of unclear task allocation and workload mismatch, and it illustrates how poor delegation can degrade patient safety. The incident occurred by the staff station during handover, involved bedside staff, the charge nurse, and the unit clerk, and concluded with tension but no agreed corrective action. Evidence shows that unclear delegation and poor communication are common drivers of clinical incidents and reduced team cohesion in nursing units (Registered Nurses’ Association guidance). Use the following source for policy and best practice on delegation: Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership (RNAO). Link on the phrase “Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership” leads to the resource: Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership (RNAO) [https://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LEADERSHIP_16.5_x_8.5_WEB_0.pdf].

Two follow‑up paragraphs that add topical authority and depth

Paragraph 1 — Evidence and case linkage (5–7 sentences)

• Implementing structured delegation frameworks such as clear task checklists and use of shift‑based huddles reduces ambiguity and improves completion rates for time‑sensitive tasks, as demonstrated in ward‑level QI projects where explicit role assignment cut missed tasks by measurable percentages. Cite a recent systematic or empirical study showing the link between delegation clarity and reduced adverse events; for example, a 2024 review found collaboration and clarity reduce conflict and improve outcomes in nursing teams. Use institutional audit data to benchmark current completion rates and set realistic targets for improvement.

Paragraph 2 — Addressing common student pitfalls and recommendations (5–7 sentences)

• Students often conflate conflict description with causal analysis; stronger reports separate the two and use root cause tools such as the “5 Whys” or a simple Ishikawa diagram to demonstrate systemic contributors rather than individual blame. Compare alternative strategies: direct supervision and re‑allocation during peak workload, or redesigning workflow to centralise non‑clinical admin tasks; select the option that minimally risks scope breaches and improves patient safety. Recommend measuring success via process indicators (task completion rates), outcome indicators (VTE prophylaxis timeliness), and staff‑reported measures (perceived clarity of roles). Cite a recent guideline or evidence summary on conflict resolution in healthcare teams.

Actionable bullets (where useful)

• Use these in the Management Plan and appendices:

  • Institute a five‑minute shift huddle to assign and record ownership of VTE assessments.

  • Adopt a simple delegation checklist that clarifies who completes, signs, and verifies time‑sensitive tasks.

  • Schedule a facilitated meeting with the nurse manager and involved staff within 48 hours to negotiate an agreed process and to document the decision.

  • Monitor task completion weekly for 8 weeks and report to unit governance.

Recommended references (3–5 peer‑reviewed or authoritative, 2018–2026) — APA 7th examples (verifiable)

• Nikitara, M., et al. (2024). Conflict management in nursing: Analysing styles, strategies and outcomes. Journal of Clinical Nursing. (Use the 2024 review; available via PMC/Publisher). [PMCID/URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11676306/]

• Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2013). Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership. RNAO. [link: https://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LEADERSHIP_16.5_x_8.5_WEB_0.pdf] (practical toolkit referenced in sample)

• StatPearls Authors. (2023). Conflict Management in Healthcare. StatPearls. [NCBI Bookshelf: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470432/]
  (Plus one more empirical study from 2019–2022 on delegation and patient safety if required for stronger evidence; substitute appropriately per institutional library availability.)

Appendices (suggested templates to attach)

• Incident timeline (table): Date/time, event, persons present, action taken, outcome.

• Delegation checklist template: Task, assigned to, due time, signature, verification.

• Meeting minutes template for nurse leader mediation session.

• Audit form for weekly task completion monitoring.

Grading guidance for markers (short)

• Look for real specificity in the incident description, linkage between stages of conflict and events, evidence that delegation issues were identified and addressed with reference to scope/guidelines, and a practical plan that includes measurable metrics and clear responsibilities..

Sample student paragraph (separate, 6–8 sentences ready to appear on page top for SEO)

• Recurring process conflicts over task ownership often arise when delegation norms are vague, and such conflicts risk patient safety when time‑sensitive tasks are omitted; a documented example on my ward showed VTE risk assessments were sometimes not completed when handover conditions were chaotic and staff allocation unclear. The incident involved night shift staff, the charge nurse, and the unit clerk during handover, and despite several terse exchanges no corrective assignment was recorded; the result was a missed prophylaxis order on one patient. This conflict reflects both process and role dimensions and remained unresolved because no nurse leader convened a mediated clarification meeting or updated the delegation protocol. Evidence indicates that structured delegation checklists and brief shift huddles improve task completion and reduce conflict; see Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership for practical tools (RNAO). I propose immediate mediation, a delegation checklist, and weekly audits to assure compliance; these steps align with best practice and allow monitoring of patient safety indicators.

1.  Write a 6‑page APA report analysing a recurring clinical conflict, apply Finkelman’s stages, evaluate delegation failures, and develop an evidence‑based collaborative resolution plan with measurable outcomes; includes templates and references.

2.  Compose a 6‑page nursing leadership report that identifies an unresolved conflict in care delivery, analyses causes and delegation issues, and prescribes a nurse leader‑led resolution plan.

3.  6‑page nursing report on resolving recurring clinical conflicts; apply theory, evaluate delegation, and propose a measurable plan.

Assessment suggestion (Week 5) — discussion/activity (3–5 sentences)

• Week 5: Online Discussion Post — “Design a brief intervention to reduce task omission caused by delegation ambiguity.” Students post a 300–400 word intervention plan that includes one measurable process metric, references at least one peer‑reviewed source, and then respond constructively to two peers’ posts (100–150 words each) comparing likely strengths and risks of the proposed interventions.

Notes on evidence and teaching use

• Use the recommended references and institutional policies on delegation and scope of practice; adapt the sample incident to local norms and the unit’s escalation procedures. Emphasise measurable indicators when assessing plan success.

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