Effects of Assertiveness Training for ICU Nurses

중환자실 간호사를 위한 자기주장훈련의 효과

Purpose: This study was done to examine the effects of assertiveness training on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses' assertive behavior, job stress, communication conflict, and self-esteem toward improving their communication skills and coping. Methods: The assertiveness training program was developed to a 10-hour program consisting of 3 sessions. The goals were to understand assertive behavior and learn how to practice assertive communication in general conflict situations and/or a difficult conflict situation in the ICU. Participants were 65 nurses recruited from a tertiary teaching hospital and of these, 27 nurses completed the program. Data were collected from Jan. 30th to Mar. 28th, 2009 using a questionnaire which included demographic characteristics, assertive behaviour scale, job stress scale, communication conflict inventory-specific, and self-esteem scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 14.0 for $x^2$ test and t-test. Results: ICU nurses in the experimental group had a significant increase in aspects of assertive behavior and a decrease in job stress. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that assertiveness training is effective in increasing ICU nurses' assertive behavior and decreasing job stress through reinforcement of assertiveness behavior.