Assertiveness:
Cherry Pages: 381-396
Communication Styles:
Assertive Communication: A form of communication that enables a person to act in his or her own best interest without denying or infringing on the rights of others.
✦Healthiest form of communication
✦Assertive individuals choose and make decisions for themselves with sensitivity toward the needs and rights of others.
✦Assertive communicators are honest and direct while valuing and respecting other individuals’ views and seeking a win-win solution without the use of manipulation or game playing.
✦It includes active listening and reflective feedback so that other individuals recognize that their opinions are valued as the assertive communicator seeks to find an acceptable solution without compromising his or her own needs.
✦It requires self confidence and the ability to set limits rather than succumbing to pressure to avoid disappointing or hurting others at the expense of one’s own needs and expectations.
✦Might be difficult for some people to develop, therefore, it is the style that most people use the least.

Zerwekh Pages: 260-261

Assertive behavior: means that a person stands up for himself or herself in a way that does not violate the basic rights of another person; expresses true feelings in an honest, direct manner; does not let others take advantage of him or her; shows respect for other’s rights, needs, and feelings; sets goals and acts on those goals in a clear and consistent manner and takes responsibility for the consequences of those actions; is able to to accept compliments and criticism; and acts in a way that enhances self-respect.

Why are nurses not more assertive?
- Some have a hard time believing in their own rights, feelings, or needs.
- Exposure in of those feelings since childhood ^ or from negative experiences, or statements.

What are the benefits of assertiveness?
- Good communication technique to let everyone know what you feel, need, and what you’re thinking. It helps you feel good about yourself and allows you to treat others with respect. Being assertive helps you avoid feeling guilty, angry, resentful, confused, or lonely. You have e greater chance to get your rights acknowledged and your rights needs met, which leads to a more satisfying life.

Barriers to Assertiveness:
- Assertive communication should not threaten others.
- If you do not have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
- If you feel uncomfortable when presenting your position or stating your feelings, then you’re non assertive.
- Should come easily and spontaneously.
- Health care facilities do not promote or support assertive behavior
- You cannot be assertive and consider another person’s feelings and behavior.
- Assertive behavior is another way of complaining.
- If I am assertive, I will lose my job.
- There is no difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness.

How can I begin to practice assertiveness communication?
- Self-awareness, and practice.

Components of Assertive Communication:
Assertive communication is a technique used to get one’s needs met without purposely hurting others. It incorporates the principles of therapeutic communication, active listening skills, and a willingness to compromise. When you use these skills, you will be able to express yourself more effectively during challenging situations, and handle confrontation in a professional manner. When in an angry situation: take a deep breath, pull yourself away, get your emotions under control, and then approach the individual privately in a non-threatening manner.
*Use “I” statements
*Describe the behavior that upsets you and focus on the present
*Discuss the consequences of the behavior
*State how the behavior needs to be modified and the time for this change
*Use I feel, about, and because…

When to use Assertive behavior?
- Communicating expectations
- Saying No
- Accepting Criticism
- Accepting