Resolving Problems:
Finding Solutions

Learning from CRNBC's Standards

Research shows that there is direct relationship between quality care and leadership.

The Standards tell us that we are responsible and accountable for our practice and that we must "take action to promote the provision of safe, appropriate and ethical care to clients." This means that you must take action to sustain nursing practice as we know it should be.

We are also responsible for the provision of service in the public interest and "to advocate and participate in changes to improve client care and nursing practice".

Finally, we are responsible for "communicating, collaborating and consulting with nurses and other members of the health care team."

Finding Solutions Together

Effective problem solving in health settings requires all members affected by the problem to participate in solving it. The process of finding and implementing solutions with other members of our team is empowering and often produces better results. Registered nurses are key players in initiating activities that lead to positive change and problem resolution.

Using a Creative Problem Solving Process

Getting support from management to proceed with a creative process is the first step to solving the problem and improving your work environment. A technique called creative problem solving is a process that brings people together to produce win-win solutions to difficult problems. Use these five-steps of the process to come up with a solution that will work.

1. Mutually define the problem.
2. Identify potential solutions to the problem.
3. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
4. Select a solution that represents the best alternative to solving the problem.
5. Discuss and evaluate the fit between the selected solutions and the problem.