Working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is both rewarding, and at times, challenging. The stakes are high as you care for the most vulnerable patients, and stress levels can run high as a result. Navigating interpersonal dynamics in such a high-pressure environment can sometimes be as demanding as the medical care itself.
If you’re dealing with difficult coworkers in the NICU, employing the following strategies may help you maintain both professional harmony and personal wellbeing.
How to Cope with Difficult Coworkers in the NICU
Remember Your Common Goal
In the NICU, the primary goal is the wellness of the infants in your care. Remind yourself (and if needed, your coworkers) of this common objective. When conflicts arise, refocusing the common goal may ease tension and align efforts.
Practice Empathy
Oftentimes, a difficult coworker may be dealing with their own stressors. Taking a moment to understand their perspective can help manage conflict. By showing empathy, you create a more supportive work environment and can often resolve issues before they escalate.
Communicate Effectively
Clear, professional communication is essential in any workplace, but especially in high-stress environments like the NICU. Address issues calmly but directly, and avoid passive-aggressive behavior and gossip. Use “I” statements to express how certain behaviors affect you, and offer solutions instead of simply identifying problems.
Hold Boundaries
In a high-stress job, it’s important to maintain boundaries to protect your own well-being. If a coworker’s behavior is affecting your work or mental health, you may need to limit your interactions with them. Professional boundaries help you perform your job effectively without undue stress.
Seek Support
When an issue with a coworker becomes unmanageable through your own approaches alone, it’s time to enlist external help. If direct communication hasn’t resolved the problem, consider involving a supervisor or HR. They can mediate and help address underlying issues that may be contributing to the conflict.
Develop Coping Strategies
Find personal coping mechanisms to manage your stress, such as talking to a trusted friend or counselor, exercising, or meditation. Developing resilience helps you handle challenging interactions effectively and maintain a positive outlook, even in spite of difficult coworker dynamics.
Focus on Self-Improvement
Sometimes, reflecting on your own behavior and reactions can offer insights into how you can improve interactions with difficult colleagues. Consider seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors to understand how you can navigate challenging relationships.
Build Strong Professional Relationships
Aim to build strong, positive relationships with colleagues outside of conflict situations. Having a foundation of trust and mutual respect makes it easier to deal with disagreements when they arise. If team-building activities are available, engage in them and support your colleagues in both professional and personal matters.
Navigating challenging coworker dynamics in the NICU calls for a blend of empathy, effective communication, and strategic conflict management. But having support from leadership is also important for maintaining a strong workforce culture in which conflicts are handled diplomatically. If you’re no longer feeling supported or fulfilled in your role, it may be time to consider a new employer — and we can help.
At Ensearch, we help NNPs find the right career fit by partnering with NICUs across the U.S. As specialists who work exclusively with NNPs and their employers, we’ve helped hundreds of candidates find their dream jobs. Get started with our free career consultation today.
