Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Resources

“So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

- John F. Kennedy


Every day, CRNAs are required to use negotiation and dispute resolution skills as part of their professional lives. Dealings with physicians, patients, hospitals, payors, etc., often present differences of opinion that have to be resolved. CRNAs who are involved in their state’s advocacy efforts have additional pressures: dealing with legislators, members of the nursing board, or coalition members - or even members of their own state association board. These interactions are often rife with conflicts that need to be addressed.

People often express an unwillingness to engage in negotiations and dispute resolution because they feel the process is stressful, chaotic and hostile. The tips in the below articles can help bring sense and opportunity for mutual gain to a dispute resolution, making a fair outcome more probable. While there remains the possibility of negotiations turning hostile, these tools can help improve your odds of success.

Resources from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation:

Other helpful articles on negotiations and dispute resolution: