Effect of conflict on the successful formation of nurse-parent relationships

The building of relationships and partnerships with parents during a bone marrow transplant (BMT) requires skills in communication from both parties involved, as well as the recognition of the empowerment, interpersonal and family system process of the family (Friedemann 1993). In this paper, a fictitious case study is used to examine the consequences of a disequilibrium in these factors and the effect that this has on nurse/parent relationships. In this case, the mother reversed the balance of power, empowered by 10 years exposure to health-care providers and her confidence in expressing her needs. However, it was her anger and aggression in expressing herself that resulted in conflict with the staff and prevented negotiation and partnership with nurses. Such conflict is still uncommon in paediatric BMT and thus, for many staff, a cycle of alienation, conflict, withdrawal and poor communication evolved. The complex issues involved in such a case are explored and suggestions as to how such a cycle can be avoided in the future are offered.