Running head: ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR NURSES 1

Assertive Communication for Nurses

Mitchell Begue
Kent State University














ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR NURSES 2
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ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR NURSES 3

Outline should be page 2 of this document; references should be at the end of your paper.

Assertive Communication for Nurses

1. Intro Paragraph
a. Introduction of the importance of communication in nursing, with emphasis
on assertive communication
b. Thesis: A nurse needs to know what assertive communication is and when
and how to use it appropriately in the various aspects of their lives.
2. Body paragraphs Headings should be content specific so body isnt needed.
a. Assertive communication
i. What is it?
ii. Key points on exhibiting such behavior
iii. Difference between assertive and argumentative/aggressive
behaviors
b. Assertive communication at the work place
i. Nurse to nurse assertive communication
1. Reasons why a nurse should be able to be assertive with fellow
nurses
2. Discussion on how to be assertive with other nurses
3. When to be assertive with co-workers
ii. Nurse to physician
1. Differences between assertive communication with another
nurse and a physician
2. How to not appear disrespectful or rude when addressing a
physician in an assertive way
c. Assertive communication at home
i. How and when a nurse can be assertive in he or shes personal life
ii. Why they may need to be assertive vs. non-assertive
3. Conclusion
a. Conclude and reiterate main points on assertive communication
b. Wrap together paper with one solid closing statement

Resources for nurses? Are there other factors that impact a nurses assertiveness?
Is there a need for nurses to be assertive with patients or family members? If so, under
what circumstances?