Improving the Assertiveness Levels of Nurses Working in Kars

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of the assertiveness education on the assertiveness level of nurses working in Kars. The study was carried out in health institutions in Kars between July 2006 and April 2007.

Method: The study, practiced as pre-test-post-test design, considered 156 nurses working in different health institutions in Kars. Study sample consisted of 103 nurses who were available and accepted to attend at the study. A structured assertiveness education, 2 hrs per week, was given to the sample for 3 weeks. All attendants filled out a demographic questionnaire and Rathus Assertiveness Inventory at the beginning of the study, and Rathus Assertiveness Inventory were applied again at the end of the implementation, and at the 1st and 3rd months.

Results: Significant differences could be detected among pre- and post-education, and first and second follow-up mean Rathus Assertiveness Inventory scores of the nurses.

Conclusion: It was thought that the practiced assertiveness education program contributed to the assertiveness levels of nurses.