We all have, at one time or another, had to deal with conflict in the workplace. For NOVA members, those situations may range from harmless—like dealing with a difficult colleague—to potentially life threatening. In this month’s blog we asked some NOVA members if they have had to deal with difficult situations and how they resolved those conflicts in the workplace.

Dealing with Difficult Coworkers

Some situations may be easily resolved by talking to a coworker with whom you are experiencing a conflict. However, sometimes it’s not you, it’s them. Ernestine Goode, MSA, BSN, RN, CRRN, CBIS, had a situation where she felt she was being treated unfairly even though no issues or concerns had been raised by TJC, CARF, PVA, or OIG. “There were no findings, but this person proceeded to document opinions and not facts,” Goode said. “The situation was dealt with using human resources and administrative means. This person was removed from the VA.” Taking the issue to her employer’s human resources department allowed the right people to handle the situation. Had Goode tried to resolve the issue herself, she may have exacerbated the false reports and documentations leading to an even bigger problem. While you might be able to resolve issues with a colleague by yourself, sometimes you need to enlist the help of HR or your superior.

For More Serious Matters

Betty Ogren, LPN, had a situation that had the potential to put lives at risk. Some employees at her facility were not wearing masks that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Employees were educated regarding the importance of using masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Ogren. Yet she regularly saw staff not complying with mask-wearing recommendations. “I asked leadership to send weekly reminders to all staff to address the situation.” Ogren’s conflict resolution skill was to go directly to leadership. She saw a problem that had the potential to be dangerous, and engaged leadership to address it.

The Role of Self Awareness

An important part of conflict resolution is self awareness. Sometimes you have to step back and look at yourself—are you overreacting? Are your colleagues’ problems caused by them or you? It may be difficult to remove yourself from your emotions and objectively consider your role in the conflict, but it may remedy the situation. 

When in a leadership position (or as an employee), it may be difficult not to take comments personally. For Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN, it was difficult at first for her to talk to the staff and supervisors about advancements/promotions recommendations, of which she was involved. “I serve as chairperson for the Nurse Professional Standards Board at my facility,” Skinner said. “When I assumed this role, I wasn’t initially comfortable discussing the board action results with unhappy staff and supervisors who didn’t get advanced or promoted. However, I quickly learned not to take their comments personally.” 

Skinner used this as a learning opportunity to provide professional guidance. “I don’t become defensive, aggressive, or angry when staff express their frustration,” Skinner said. “I use it as an opportunity to listen carefully, explain the proficiency process, respectfully provide constructive criticism on their proficiency or reconsideration request narrative, and offer advice and support. I keep the conversation goal-oriented and try to avoid any drama. I actually enjoy these encounters at work now.”

Dealing with a difficult situation at work may sometimes be uncomfortable, knowing some conflict resolution techniques can really change how your workplace functions when tensions run high between yourself and colleagues. You may be able to handle some conflicts by yourself, while others are more appropriately handled by leadership or HR. Finally, when you do directly or indirectly deal with the situation, take it as a learning experience, or if you're in a leadership position, use it as a way to give guidance and offer assistance. 

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Learn from other NOVA members through NOVA’s Mentorship Program!

Learn more at www.vanurse.org/page/Mentorship

The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) is seeking two (2) general members to serve on the Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for soliciting and developing a slate of candidates for the NOVA Board of Directors election for 2020.

If you are interested in serving on the Nominations Committee, please submit an application by 

August 12, 2020 at 5:00 pm EST.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Click Here to Submit an Application

Life’s What If’s. We have all thought of them from time to time.  Some we gladly welcome and others bring hardship - - things that affect medical issues, financial, relationships…there are many.  Some may only affect us personally, however others can affect our families, coworkers, neighbors, and communities.  As we have seen in recent months, there are some that have wide-spread ramifications.  Preparation for some of the What If’s is possible though.  

From our inception, FED Benefits Center has existed to assist federal employees in preparing for some of life’s What If’s.  One that has taken the spotlight in the last couple months, although it is really a continual concern is the answer to the question:  How do I pay my bills if I am injured or sick and can’t earn a living?   What would my family do?    

There are answers to these questions:

1.  Self Insure – this comes in the form of either having enough savings to weather the storm or having enough sick and annual leave to bridge that gap when you are out of work.  It is recommended that we have 6 to 12 months of living expenses saved for the What If’s.  Although some are able to achieve this high goal, in our 20 years of working with and getting to know federal employees across the nation, we have found that this to be one of the most significant concerns for the vast majority of employees. 

2. Friends and Family – although intentions are good and this may be a short-term assistance, it is generally not thought of as a viable option if someone is out of work for 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or longer.

3. Ignoring the concern – not addressing the problem as a possibility or taking the ‘I’ll figure it out if it happens’ approach.  

4. Short term disability benefits – these plans are designed to provide income when you are unable to work due to injury or sickness.  There are many parts to a benefit like this.  Several of which could drastically alter the amount or length of monthly assistance.   Below are a few to consider when exploring plans:    

a) Benefit Period – the length of time, per incident, the plan will provide the
chosen monthly benefit

b) Benefit Amount – the dollar amount per day/week/month that the plan
will provide

c) Elimination Period – the unpaid waiting period at the beginning of a
claim, where applicable

d) Offsets – any other payments that could reduce the monthly benefit
amount due to you

e) Pre-existing conditions – how previous medical issues are treated within
the plan and specifically what definition is being used

f) Exclusions – what diagnoses are not covered by the plan

g) Maternity - there can be different rules based on date of conception and
method of conception (as it relates to pre-existing conditions)   

We can help you navigate some of the What If’s. We would love the opportunity to discuss any of the topics above or if you have questions about other ways FED Benefits Center works with federal employees, call us at 800 440-2468, email us at admin@fedbenefitscenter.com, or schedule an appointment that fits your schedule at https://fedbenefitscenter.setmore.com/ by clicking on the ‘Nova Newsletter’ link there.

FEGLI Analysis – Cancer/Cardiac Benefits - Accident Plans - Critical Illness protection – Dental/Vision

FED Benefits Center - Your Advisors from Career Start through Retirement - 800.440.2468

Summer 2020:  Resources for Balancing Mental Health & COVID-19

   Summertime is here and, after so many stressful months in America, summer getaways are sorely needed. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic persisting in the United States, those getaways, or even just a break from the stress, are in jeopardy of being canceled or rescheduled for a later date.

   NOVA members aren’t the only ones feeling pressure from incredibly demanding and at times difficult jobs. A 2018 survey by the American Psychological Association found that about one-third of U.S. workers state their workload makes it difficult for them to take time off and about a quarter worry they’ll miss important information or opportunities when they take vacation time.

   When the stress reaches the heights seen in recent months, it’s important that NOVA members take time to de-stress. The following may help NOVA members improve their time off during the summer months.

Getting Physically and Mentally Recharged

   The first thing we must realize is that taking some time off, like an extended weekend or a vacation, can significantly improve our physical and mental health.

   According to the American Institute of Stress, 40% of workers feel their job is very or extremely stressful. The stress can cause a person to become more irritable, depressed, and anxious. It can also affect your memory and result in making poorer decisions.

   Taking time off helps to reduce stress by taking you out of environments and activities that produce your stress and anxiety. Another benefit is improved productivity. (Yes, really!) Workers required to take time off report being more productive than workers who spent more time working. People who take time off are less likely to experience burnout and be more creative and productive.

   Research has also shown that vacations can improve sleep. Restless nights and disruptions in sleep are often attributed to stress. A vacation or taking some time off can interrupt bad sleeping habits and get you back on track to more restful sleep.

Vacation Canceled? Try Some Alternatives

   Many people have had to cancel their summer vacation due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but don’t cancel your time away from work just yet. While you may not be able (or comfortable enough) to go on that vacation, there are ways to still have a relaxing time.

   Consider a staycation, which is a vacation that you take at home. Your hometown or local area can have a wide range of interesting and fun experiences (just remember to be safe, wear a mask and continue to socially distance). Write down a list of places you’ve always wanted to visit or revisit in the area and see how many of them that you can cross off the list during your staycation. If areas are still closed due to COVID-19, make a plan to virtually visit them during your time off.

   Some museums like the Louvre, Smithsonian, and National Gallery of Art are offering virtual tours that allow you to explore online exhibits without ever leaving your couch. If you had planned on going to see the Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa at the Louvre, this is a great way to do that without the lines of people. Plus, it’s also a great way to have the kids learn more about the world around them in the safety of your home.

Summer Camp Alternatives

   While some camps are opening, others are only open for part of the summer season, or may not open at all. If you’re left trying to entertain little ones during your time off, the following are some fun substitutions, family style!

• Make time to get active: Set a time each day to for bike riding or going for a walk or hike.

• Start cooking: Have the kids step into the kitchen and teach them some of the basics with some age-appropriate roles. You can even take it one step further and try one new recipe each week from cuisines across the world, bringing your canceled vacation back to you.

• Tap into creativity: Explore YouTube or Pinterest to search for some kid-friendly projects. Or try a science experiment with them using household items like baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar. You can even set up a virtual show-and-tell with their friends to show them what they did during the day.

   While canceling a vacation due to the COVID-19 pandemic is a downer, don’t cancel your time off! You can still benefit from that time away from the stress of work by exploring places near and far, or getting some quality family time in for you and the kids. You’ve been on the frontlines working through a pandemic—you deserve to make some time for yourself.

Congratulations to Kelly D. Skinner, NOVA President! She is the winner of the 2020 ANCC Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Award.