Sources: McConnell C. And Umiker W. 2014
2 3 Paragraphssourcesmcconnell C Umiker W 2014umikers Manag
Sources: McConnell, C. & Umiker, W. (2014). Umiker's management skills for the new health care supervisor. Burlington, Mass: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 35: Coping with Stress and Burnout Chapter 37: Politics, Networks, and the Supervisor's Future When politics is as heated as it has been in the U.S. this election cycle, it’s hard to resist the desire to talk about what’s going on with your coworkers. Assignment: Is the office the right place to discuss how you feel about the current issues in politics? What’s the most tactful way to go about when a patient starts to engage you in a political conversation? What should you do about the coworker who can’t contain his enthusiasm and relentlessly talks about politics?
Paper For Above instruction
In the contemporary healthcare environment, professionals often face the challenge of navigating workplace conversations amidst heightened political tensions. According to McConnell and Umiker (2014), managing stress and emotional well-being is crucial, especially during politically charged periods which can increase workplace anxiety and disrupt professionalism. Therefore, determining appropriate boundaries for political discourse in the workplace is essential for maintaining a respectful and productive environment.
Discussing current political issues in the office setting is generally not advisable. The workplace should be a neutral space focused on patient care and professional interactions. McConnell and Umiker emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive environment that minimizes conflict and emotional stress (2014). Engaging in political conversations can lead to misunderstandings, disagreements, and divisions among team members, potentially affecting collaboration and the quality of patient care. As such, clinicians and staff should exercise tact and restraint, avoiding political debates that can escalate tensions or distract from their primary responsibilities.
When a patient initiates a political discussion, healthcare providers should approach the situation with professionalism and empathy. A tactful response might involve acknowledging the patient's perspective without endorsing any particular viewpoint, and gently steering the conversation back to their health concerns. For example, saying, "I understand your view; let's focus on your health today," allows the provider to maintain a respectful attitude while preserving boundaries and patient rapport. Effective communication skills are vital, enabling the provider to manage these conversations without alienating the patient or compromising care (McConnell & Umiker, 2014).
Dealing with coworkers who persistently bring politics into workplace conversations presents another challenge. In such cases, it is crucial to set clear boundaries politely but firmly. One approach might involve expressing the need to keep discussions focused on work-related topics or patient care. For instance, saying, "I prefer to keep conversations here centered on our professional responsibilities," respects the coworker’s enthusiasm but redirects the interaction. If the behavior continues, seeking support from supervisors or human resources may be necessary to reinforce workplace policies on respectful conduct (McConnell & Umiker, 2014). By managing these interactions tactfully, healthcare professionals can preserve a positive work environment aligned with professionalism and mutual respect.
References
- McConnell, C., & Umiker, W. (2014). Umiker's management skills for the new health care supervisor. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.