Communication Skills Training Program and its Effect on Head Nurses' Assertiveness and Self-Esteem

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Communication is a basic function of human beings, and it could affect nurses’ assertiveness and self-esteem. Aim of study: to assess the effect of a communication skills training program on head nurses' assertiveness and self-esteem. Subjects and methods: Setting: The study was conducted at Nasser Institute Hospital for Research and Treatment Design: A one group pretest- posttest quasi-experimental study design was used to carry out the study. Subjects: 50 head nurses. Tools: data were collected using three tools, a self-administered questionnaire that included a knowledge questionnaire, Self-esteem Scale, and an Assertiveness Assessment Scale. Results: Head nurses’ age range from 22 to 53 years, and 60% had bachelor degree. Knowledge of communication improved from 46% at pretest to 100% posttest, and 94% at follow-up (p<0.001). Assertiveness improved from 70% at pretest to 94% at post- and follow-up (p=0.002). Self-esteem improved from pretest 34% to 78% and 76% at post and follow-up (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, the intervention was a positive predictor of the knowledge score, and this was a positive predictor of the assertiveness and self-esteem scores. Conclusion: The training program in communication is effective in improving head nurses’ knowledge, self-esteem, and assertiveness. Recommendations: The study recommends application of the developed program to all head nurses in the study settings and in similar ones. Further studies are proposed to evaluate the effect of improving head nurses’ assertiveness and self-esteem on their burnout and job satisfaction.