Developing Assertiveness During Orientation

Steps to Develop Healthy Assertiveness in the OR

Many new OR nurses are told to “Be more assertive!” or “Speak up!”—and all the seasoned OR nurses nod their heads in agreement. But as a new OR nurse who is just learning the craft of perioperative nursing, it can be extremely difficult to develop a healthy assertiveness that is helpful and not a hindrance. There are four steps that you can take to effectively develop an assertive attitude that will allow you to be the advocate that you need to be in the OR—both for your patients and for your team members.