Which trait is most important for a staff nurse acting as a change agent on the Standards of Care Committee?

• A. High Ethical Decision-Making
• B. Quality Interpersonal Skills
• C. Respect From Clients and Families
• D. Expertise in Clinical Therapeutics

Answer: (B)

Quality interpersonal skills are essential for a staff nurse acting as a change agent on a Standards of Care Committee because moving new standards into practice requires guiding diverse colleagues through a shared update. Effective communication helps present evidence clearly, listen to concerns, and explain rationale so others can accept the changes. Empathy and active listening build trust among team members, making it easier to surface differing viewpoints and reach consensus. Facilitation and conflict-resolution skills keep meetings productive, prevent gridlock, and maintain momentum toward patient-centered goals. While ethical decision-making, respect from clients and families, and clinical expertise are valuable, they don’t by themselves guarantee successful change; they support the process, but the ability to influence, collaborate, and sustain engagement across disciplines is what moves standards from proposal to practice.