Posted: October 31st, 2023

Promoting Civility and Preventing Incivility in the Healthcare Workplace

Reflection Week 7 . Reflection: write 1-2 paragraphs reflecting on your learning for the week. Guiding questions are provided or you may write about what you felt was most significant to you for the week.

You will need to post your reflection here before you are able to see other students’ posts.

Nearly every student in the course was able to think of a time when they had personally been impacted by or had observed incivility in the workplace. In what ways does this impact your view of the nursing profession?
If those outside of healthcare were aware, how might it impact their view?
As you move towards your role as an NP, what will you do to support healthful work environments for yourself and your colleagues?
Think about your personal use of social media. Are there changes you would like to make in how you use social media?
What self-care practices do you engage in to promote personal holistic health?
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Promoting Civility and Preventing Incivility in the Healthcare Workplace
Incivility in the workplace is an ongoing challenge faced by healthcare professionals. Most nursing students have directly observed or heard accounts of disrespect between colleagues in clinical settings (Clark et al., 2014). Witnessing uncivil behaviors can understandably influence perceptions of a given profession (Christensen et al., 2020). If the general public was more aware of such issues, it could impact trust in the healthcare system (Laschinger & Fida, 2014). As future nurse practitioners transitioning to professional roles, there are proactive steps that can be taken to help address workplace incivility.
Leading by Example
Modeling respectful communication and collaboration sets the tone for civil conduct from others. Clark et al. (2014) found passive acceptance of uncivil behaviors can perpetuate future issues. Instead, addressing concerning interactions respectfully and constructively may help curb incivility (Christensen et al., 2020). As nurse practitioners, leading by positive example through respectful interactions with all healthcare colleagues can influence workplace culture.
Promoting Wellness Initiatives
Advocating for initiatives that promote staff cohesion, like unit-based wellness programs, can foster healthier relationships across disciplines (Laschinger & Fida, 2014). Engaging colleagues in wellness activities provides an outlet for stress relief and social support, reducing triggers for uncivil outbursts (D’Eloia, 2022). Supporting wellness committees and programs demonstrates a commitment to holistic staff care.
Self-Care is Key
Regular self-care practices are important for managing stress, which if left unaddressed, can contribute to uncivil conduct (D’Eloia, 2022). Future nurse practitioners should prioritize sufficient rest, disconnecting from work stresses during personal time, and individual wellness activities to bring their best selves to each patient and colleague interaction (Clark et al., 2014). Holistic self-care supports resilience against workplace stressors.
Conclusion
By cultivating positivity, respect, wellness initiatives and personal self-care habits, upcoming nurse practitioners can play a key role in shifting healthcare workplace culture towards greater civility, safety and quality care. Leading by example and advocating for holistic well-being approaches can help address this significant issue and support sustainable change.