This guide to assertiveness skills for nurses is designed to meet the needs of individual nurses, and for classroom and workshop use. Nurses can also use the many exercises in the book with their patients to help them find more assertive and empowered ways to react and be proactive. The author's premise is that assertiveness is a skill, like giving an injection or taking a nursing history, which requires adequate and systematic practice. It also should be viewed within the context of one's own health and well-being. The workshop format encourages readers to assess and build their skills through self-study and role playing.

Introduction

1. A Note for Teachers: Using This Book in the Classroom
2. Are You Divesting Yourself of Power?
3. Defining You: How Assertive Am I?
4. Physical Well-Being: The Foundation for Empowerment
5. Saying ìYesî to Your Needs and ìNoî to Impossible Demands
6. Taking and Giving Criticism
7. Time Management Skills
8. Managing Anger
9. Accepting Your Power to Heal and Be Healed
10. Gender Issues: Counteracting Patriarchy and Oppression
11. Strategies for Career Enhancement
12. What Nurse Leaders Can Do
13. End Note