Incivility In Nursing

Summary

In this video, Dr. APRA Woods and Lisa Bonsall discuss the pervasive issue of incivility in nursing, also known as lateral violence or workplace bullying. They highlight its impact on nurses' mental health and job satisfaction, as well as the significant financial burden it places on the healthcare system due to high turnover rates. The conversation explores the manifestations of incivility, its consequences, and potential strategies for addressing and preventing it, emphasizing the need for a code of conduct, education, and promoting a culture of respect and civility within nursing units.

Takeaways

• 😐 Incivility in nursing, also known as lateral violence or workplace bullying, is a significant issue affecting the profession.
• 🔢 A staggering 44 to 85 percent of nurses experience incivility, with 93 percent being affected by it.
• 💼 Such behavior can lead to health problems, sleep disturbances, depression, and low self-esteem among affected nurses.
• 💸 The cost of replacing a nurse due to incivility is substantial, ranging from $92,000 for a medical-surgical nurse to $145,000 for a specialty nurse.
• 🤝 Incivility can result in organizational chaos, breakdown in communication, and increased potential for errors.
• 👀 It's crucial for management to recognize and not dismiss incivility, as ignoring it can lead to underreporting and a fear of retaliation among staff.
• 👥 Establishing a code of conduct and having processes to manage disruptive behaviors are key to addressing incivility.
• 📚 Coaching, mentoring, and education on communication strategies can help mitigate the effects of incivility in the workplace.
• 🗣️ Nurses should seek support from nurturing colleagues, speak with confidence, and work together to resolve issues.
• 🔄 Civility starts with each individual; nurses should reflect on their own behaviors and strive for a culture of respect and common courtesy.

Q & A

What is incivility in nursing also known as?

Incivility in nursing is also known as lateral violence, horizontal violence, and workplace bullying.

What percentage of nurses have reportedly been affected by lateral violence?

Research indicates that 93 percent of nurses have been affected by lateral violence.

How does incivility in the workplace manifest?

Incivility can manifest as rudeness, condescension, bullying, hazing, and aggression towards peers in the workplace.

What are the potential health problems that can arise from experiencing incivility?

Experiencing incivility can lead to health problems such as lack of sleep, depression, and low self-esteem.

What is the financial impact of replacing a nurse who leaves due to incivility?

The cost of replacing a medical-surgical nurse is about $92,000, and for a specialty nurse, it's about $145,000.

Why is it important to address incivility in the workplace?

Addressing incivility is crucial as it can disrupt patient care, staff satisfaction, and potentially impact patient safety.

What are some common themes that arise around incivility in the workplace?

Common themes include behaviors not being recognized by management, dismissal of bullying behaviors, fear of reporting, and organizational chaos.

How can nurses handle situations where they are experiencing incivility?

Nurses can seek out supportive colleagues, speak with confidence, and engage in problem-solving with their peers to address issues.

What strategies can be employed to address incivility in the workplace?

Strategies include recognizing the issue, establishing and enforcing a code of conduct, coaching and mentoring, educating nurses and leaders, and improving communication strategies.

Why is it important for nurses to be civil to each other?

Civility among nurses is important for maintaining a supportive work environment, fostering respect, and ensuring effective teamwork for patient care.

What can an individual nurse do to promote civility on their unit?

Individual nurses can promote civility by being aware of their own behaviors, seeking to understand and support colleagues, and engaging in open and respectful communication.