From Compliance to Confidence: A Study on Assertiveness Among Trained Nurses

Saheli Debnath, Ranjusha Kv, Revathi K, Monika Sangwan, Renuka Dalal, Jeeja John, Poonam Kumari, Neethu A, Jeeva George, Raima Lukas

Abstract: Introduction: Assertiveness is a vital professional attribute in nursing practice, enabling nurses to communicate their needs, opinions, and concerns confidently while respecting the rights of others. In the complex and demanding environment of tertiary care hospitals, nurses must interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe, ethical, and high-quality patient care. A lack of assertiveness may lead to poor communication, increased workplace stress, job dissatisfaction, and compromised patient safety. In contrast, appropriate assertiveness enhances teamwork, professional autonomy, and clinical decision-making. Despite its importance, assertiveness levels among nurses may be influenced by factors such as hierarchical work culture, workload, years of experience, and individual personality traits. Therefore, assessing the level of assertiveness among trained nurses working in tertiary care settings is essential to identify gaps and plan targeted interventions, such as training and professional development programs. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of assertiveness among 50 staff nurses at a selected tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling from inpatient departments. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) scale. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection. The collected data were coded and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed that the majority of nurses were fairly assertive (52%), followed by those who were assertive in some situations (38%), and consistently assertive (10%). None of the participants demonstrated difficulty in assertiveness. Conclusion: The study concludes that assertiveness is a crucial behavioral and professional skill among nurses. Being assertive involves expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and rights confidently while respecting others. It reflects social courage, professional responsibility, and the ability to refuse unreasonable demands. Assertiveness plays a key role in personality development and is essential for effective interaction with patients and healthcare professionals. It enhances self-confidence, improves communication, and supports professional growth in nursing practice. Therefore, incorporating assertiveness training programs into nursing education and in-service training is recommended to strengthen this essential competency.

Keywords: Assertiveness, trained nurses, Levels of assertiveness

How to Cite?: Saheli Debnath, Ranjusha Kv, Revathi K, Monika Sangwan, Renuka Dalal, Jeeja John, Poonam Kumari, Neethu A, Jeeva George, Raima Lukas, "From Compliance to Confidence: A Study on Assertiveness Among Trained Nurses", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1885-1888, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26425232941, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26425232941

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