Communicating Problems:
Choosing Strategies

Applying What We Have Learned

Going Up the Ladder
What happens if your leader doesn't respond or responds but does not provide you with the support you feel you need?

In some situations registered nurses are faced with preparing more formal communication directed at a leader in a position above the team leader/supervisor. This might be a manager or director depending on the situation. The written communication would be to inform the manager or director of the problem and possibly ask them for a meeting to discuss the situation in more depth.

The letter might look something like this:

CONFIDENTIAL
Day/Month/Year

Jane Doe, RN
Manager Program "X"
XYZ Health Region
Anywhere BC XXX XXX

Re: Professional Practice Problem

Dear Ms. Doe,

This letter is to inform you of a professional practice problem related to the communication difficulties among... We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to a meeting to discuss the situation further and to assist us in problem solving.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

______________, RN, Program "X"

You might want to refer to the "Sample Letter Tool."