Welcome to your Online Course 

Assertiveness and Communication Training Course

Your Presenter: Anne Evans-Murray
Format: Online and available anytime
CPD: 6 Hours
Access: 12 months from the course start date. You can return to any part of the course as many times as needed. 
(Please NoteIf you purchased this course as a Nursing CPD financial subscriber which gave you a discounted price, your 12 months' access will only remain while you are an existing financial subscriber.)

     Your Course Handbook  

Course Overview

Your Certificate

Certificate: Once you have completed all the modules of your course and the course evaluation, you will be able to generate a Certificate of Completion and download it for your records.  

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Course Learning Outcomes

  • Review the cardiac complex: waves, segments and timing intervals and demonstrate the understanding of the foundation of interpretation of sinus rhythm and abnormal arrhythmias.
  • Demonstrate interpretation of life-threatening arrhythmias and outline the treatment according to the Australian and New Zealand Committee of Resuscitation guidelines (ANZCOR)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of 12 lead ECG interpretation in relation to identifying changes related to acute coronary syndrome – become proficient at interpreting a myocardial infarction.
  • Describe the pathophysiological development and nursing assessment of a variety of common cardiac disorders

Please Note:

We understand the the content of this course may be triggering. If this happens we recommend that you seek support.

Consider contacting:

WANT TO SEE ANNE LIVE?

Explore Anne's upcoming CPD seminars and conferences.

ANNE'S ONLINE COURSES

The future of the clinical ward environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help

If you’re stuck, need help accessing your course or would like tips and instructions, please contact us at enquiries@nursingcpd.com.au or 07 4151 3884 (Option 1)
online and on demand

Assertiveness and Communication Training

Strategies to Deal with Bullying and Narcissistic Abuse

Write your awesome label here.
Led by Anne Evans-Murray, this 6-hour online course will explore the covert strategies employed by bullies to manipulate those around them. Learn the assertiveness skills to navigate these challenges more effectively and minimise their negative impact.

Buy today - $235.00 inc GST

WATCH 8 VIDEO PRESENTATIONS

In these eight session,  Anne will teach you the key skills required in dealing with difficult people, including managing situations involving bullying and coercion.

SELF-PACED: LEARN ON DEMAND - 24/7

This self-paced course is available to you 24/7, allowing you to complete it anytime, anywhere at your convenience!

EARN A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Upon completing this online course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, available for download as a digital certificate or for printing as a hard copy.

Course Overview

Dealing with difficult people, managing bullying and coercion in your personal and professional life.

Many nurses are time-poor, and Anne Evans-Murray, in collaboration with the Nurses for Nurses Network, has adapted the content from previous face-to-face seminars, workshops, and retreats on essential skills to survive bullying in personal relationships or work environments.


This online course is delivered over four self-paced modules. The first two modules focus on understanding bullying behaviour and its effect on the individual. The last two modules are on learning skills to manage these challenging situations.


You can sit back in the privacy of your home and watch the role-playing and outlining of practical procedures step by step. Much of the content will be practical demonstrations by two experienced educators, one of whom is an experienced abuse counsellor. 

What this Course is about

Dealing with difficult people, including managing situations involving bullying and coercion in both personal and professional settings, can have significant impacts on psychological and physical health. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions and their effects is crucial for managing them effectively and mitigating their impact on you. 

This course will cover an understanding of the covert strategies bullies employ, which confuses and diminishes morale and self-esteem. In addition it will include role-playing activities by the presenters to highlight patterns of abuse and illustrate the effective management of these challenging encounters. 


The presenters will showcase the methods frequently utilised by bullies. The content will distinguish between rudeness (incivility) and bullying behaviour, offering insights on redirecting or handling difficult scenarios effectively.

Understanding the specific and repetitive patterns of what is known as narcissistic abuse can aid in self-healing and the establishment of boundaries. Similarly, workplace bullying often exhibits these patterns, though they may be more subtle, leading to situations where the affected individuals feel misunderstood and invalidated. Such experiences can cause anxiety, diminish feelings of competence, and foster a desire to exit the nursing profession.


The content of this course was initially developed and aimed at empowering nurses to meet their challenges in a work environment. It is now available to those outside the health industry, and we welcome teachers, paramedics, firefighters, police, and others. 


Lack of boundaries results in the inability to recognise and manage manipulative people, resulting in anxiety and increased stress. Understanding and addressing the impacts of dealing with difficult people is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. 


Employing effective strategies learned through assertiveness training enables individuals to navigate these challenges more effectively and minimise their negative effects.

Please Note: This content has been very highly evaluated in previous seminars, retreats and workshops in both Australia and New Zealand. Anne Evans-Murray in collaboration with the Nurses for Nurses Network have now provided the content in this online course to make it more accessible to those unable to attend face to face seminars. It is strongly recommended for any person who has been in a bullying situation in the past or present or in an emotionally abusive personal relationship. 

At the completion of this course you will:

  • Gain knowledge in recognition of traits and patterns of behaviour displayed by people on the narcissistic spectrum.

  • Demonstrate understanding of the adverse physical and mental effects on a target when exposed to narcissistic abuse
  • Demonstrate and learn skills in setting boundaries to manage difficult people in the workforce and in home environment

Important Questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you feel unheard and distressed because you are not being believed at work about the bullying situation?

  • Are you in a situation, either at home or work, that makes you feel trapped and confused about what is happening?

  • Are you frustrated at the lack of support from the hierarchy when there are patterns of workplace bullying that is not being addressed?
  • Are you now developing anxiety and physical symptoms of stress from prolonged abuse in situations where you feel trapped?
  • Do you still feel anxiety or anger about an unresolved bullying situation at work that happened years ago?
  • In your personal life do you feel that family and friends don’t see the patterns of abuse directed at you and are more likely to blame you?
  • Do you lack the confidence to speak up?
  • Do you recognise that you have social anxiety?
  • Can you say no to unreasonable requests without guilt or are you manipulated into saying yes?
  • Are you able to set personal boundaries that identify the behaviour of others that you will not tolerate?
  • Do you know the difference between assertiveness and passive aggressive behaviour?

Did you answer yes to one of more of these questions?
If so, then this online course is for you.

Dealing with difficult people is not a passive process – it is extremely important that you seek information and strategies to manage the situation you find yourself in – otherwise it will profoundly impact your psychological and physical health.” - Anne Evans-Murray

Course Overview

Module One
Module Two
Module Three
Module Four

Recognition of Characteristics and Behaviours of People on the Narcissistic Spectrum

In this module the presenter will explore the characteristics of people on the narcissistic spectrum. These people cause division in the workplace as well as the home and adversely impact the culture of the workplace.

Recognition of the patterns of bullying behaviour is a vital step in managing these situations as often the behaviours are subtle, and the target is not always believed.

During this module you will:
  • Explore the characteristics of people on the narcissistic spectrum from selfishness to the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
  • Understand the difference between incivility and bullying behaviour.
  • Learn to recognise the universal patterns that people with bullying traits demonstrate.
  • Explore how to differentiate between an aggressive outburst and behaviours of a bully.

Effects of Abuse or Bullying on Physical and Mental Health and How to Manage it

Being exposed to narcissistic abuse in either the home or work environment has a negative impact on both physical and emotional well-being.

The negative impact can have lasting effects, even if the relationship with the narcissistic abuser has ceased.

The target is usually in a continuous loop of emotional turmoil, from the charm, abuse, and poor me behaviours of the abuser. Unless the target is made aware of the cycle of abuse; confusion will develop with self-blame, anxiety, poor self-esteem and loss of confidence.

The target is NEVER responsible for the abuse, however patterns learnt in childhood such as rescuing behaviour and lack of boundaries can make it more likely that a person with narcissistic traits may target this person
.

During this module you will:
  • Learn to recognise the effects of abuse on physical and mental health.
  • Explore the psychological impact of bullying: from causing embarrassment, low self-esteem lack of confidence through to loss of professional credibility.
  • Learn how to recognise patterns in childhood can result in a lack of boundaries and a tendency to enter into relationships that are unhealthy.
  • Explore the management of bullying in the workplace with reference to Safe Work Australia.

Assertiveness Techniques and Summary 

Anne, with the assistance of Sue Walker, will continue to explore the difference between passive, assertive and aggressive behaviour and how to use boundaries with difficult people.

They will discuss how recognising the psychological blocks of people-pleasing syndrome and rescuing behaviour can prevent the development of healthy boundaries with others.

This module will assist you to develop your personal assertiveness skills plan. Enabling you to continue to develop your skills after you exit the course.

Learn the essential skills from watching them say ‘no’ as well as how to defuse a challenging is situation.

Sit back and watch them:
  • Stop justifying or explaining themselves to a bully.
  • Say no to unreasonable requests.
  • Set boundaries over the phone.
  • Recognise a disrespectful personal question and not answer it.


You will learn how to:
  • Practice becoming assertive which leads to confidence in these challenging situations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to say no without explanation utilising the Broken Record Technique.
  • Apply an assertive technique on how to not answer disrespectful questions.
  • Utilise the Three As technique to defuse a difficult situation.
  • Use these skills that will apply to both the workplace environment and your personal life.


Summary of the online Bullying and Assertiveness Course


Narcissistic abuse in both the work and home environment can have profound and long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical health. There is a higher incidence of anxiety and depression due to heightened anxiety and hypervigilance. This course helps with the understanding of the universal tactics that people on the Narcissistic Spectrum use to entrap their target.

This knowledge helps the target to recognise and put boundaries in place. If the target does not address the abuse, it usually leads to feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt, as the abuser’s tactics will erode their self-esteem. Others may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Gaining recognition that the abuser will work at isolating the target from support, helps the target to work at developing a support team, gaining distance from the abuser and work at developing boundaries.

Lack of assertiveness in both the home and work environment creates anxiety, increase in stress and poor relationships. There are blocks to developing these skills such as people pleasing behaviour and wanting to be liked by others. Watching the role play and learning about these skills assists you with expressing your emotions, needs, and opinions in a respectful and confident way.

This online course not only explores the tactics of abuse that are very common and easily recognised. It is demonstrated by role play and content on how to manage this abuse.

Assertiveness and Communication Skills to use in Challenging Situations in both the Home and Work Environments

The Anne with the assistance of Sue Walker will explore the difference between passive, assertive and aggressive behaviour and how to use boundaries with difficult people both at work and in personal relationships.

They will discuss how by recognising the psychological blocks of people pleasing syndrome and rescuing behaviour can prevent the development of healthy boundaries with others.

The session will also explore how workplace relationships with poor collegial boundaries is associated with poor communication. Communicating about a deteriorating work situation is an essential professional skill which requires assertiveness which can be challenging when the other professional has a history of difficult or aggressive behaviour.

Anne and Sue will demonstrate using role play the skills required to effectively set boundaries with others. They love role play which makes it fun for you to watch but you will learn the essential skills you need to address challenging situations and people.

 Sit back and watch them:
  • Deflect unprofessional behaviour
  • Manage criticism at work and home environment
  • Recognise when others are trying to manipulate through guilt
  • Stop others talking over them or interrupting them
  • Set powerful body language


During this module your will learn to:
  • Be assertive and powerful and feel confident when faced with these challenging situations.
  • Set boundaries with disrespectful people repetitively talking over you and interrupting.
  • Utilise assertiveness strategies and learn practical hints on how to develop assertive body language and vocabulary.
  • Demonstrate the skill of the Grey Rock technique to defuse criticism.

Buy today - $235.00 inc GST

"I have been told by several work colleagues how great Anne’s courses are. I was not disappointed at all. I would have to say as a first time attendee at one of Anne’s courses, this is the best presentation I have ever been to….. I will certainly be back for more." - KAREN

Our Presenter

Anne Evans-Murray

R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.

Anne is a frequent presenter at workshops, conferences & seminars throughout Australia & New Zealand on subjects such as ECG interpretation, clinical assessment of the deteriorating patient, assertiveness and leadership. 

How you will Learn

The 6-hour Assertiveness and Communication Training Course is fully online and self-paced, allowing you to start anytime and progress at your own speed. With 24/7 on-demand access, you can fit the training into your schedule whenever it’s most convenient.

Five hours of interesting and engaging online presentations

A downloadable course workbook to help you get the most out of the course

24/7 access to all the course modules and learning materials

Full ongoing course support via email

Earn a Certificate of Completion

On completion of the course you will receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your CPD Evidence Portfolio. 

If you need an Evidence Portfolio click here to see what CPD Portfolio can offer you. Use coupon code NCPDREF to get a 20% discount.

What others say about this Assertiveness Training

Fabulous! Many thanks ladies you did a wonderful job. Our society would be so much better if this information was taught not only to nurses but also widely throughout the community.
  • Geraldine, Exploring Psychological Workplace Violence and Personal Resilience
I love this webinar as it reminds me how to be assertive not just at work but as in general life situations. I needed this so much as I tend to be very nice to people, and sort of like a 'people-pleaser'.
  • Soraya, Assertiveness and Personal Boundaries
I can not truly express what this retreat has meant to me and the dedication that Anne and Sue show to the improvement of positive psychological outcomes for nurses. Thank you to both of you
  • Asa, Exploring Psychological Workplace Violence and Personal Resilience
I loved the way that Anne presented this webinar; she was clear and also gave examples that I could understand that I could use in nursing as well as in my personal life. I felt I related to a lot of what she spoke about and also learnt additional strategies and information.
  • Katie, ISBAR and Assertiveness Training
I would say how experienced the presenters were with their presentations and the great examples they used from their experience. I would also say that every single nurse should compete this training within their nursing career for their resilience and wellbeing.
  • Claire, Exploring Psychological Workplace Violence and Personal Resilience
This course is an absolute necessity to attend. Not only will you have resources to assist you in being able to have self preservation but you will be able to be of benefit to clients which are under our care. A definite course for all nurses in which ever field they are working in from EN's to DON's they should attend.
  • Leanne, Assertiveness and Communication in Challenging Situations
A very big thank you to Anne and Sue for your wonderful team effort to make these 2.5 days one of the best learning activities I have experienced. You delivered a perfect combination of expertise, wisdom, humour, kindness and warmth in a naturally beautiful setting. The resources are excellent and will continue support my professional and personal development. Three cheers!!!!
  • Marise, Exploring Psychological Workplace Violence and Personal Resilience

Buy today - $235.00 inc GST

Frequently Asked Questions

WANT TO SEE ANNE LIVE?

Explore Anne's upcoming CPD seminars and conferences.

ANNE'S ONLINE COURSES

The future of the clinical ward environment.