Perceptions of New Nurses Concerning Incivility in the Workplace

Abstract

Background: Although an atmosphere of civility in which nurses respect and value each other is crucial to health care, incivility continues to be widespread.

Method: New graduate nurses completed an online questionnaire in which they described incivility and discussed its impact on new nurses and patients.

Results: Findings were categorized according to the impact of incivility on new nurses and patients. Embedded in these categories are rich descriptions of incivility in health care.

Conclusions: The participants witnessed uncivil interactions that negatively impacted them emotionally, professionally, and physically. They also discussed the harmful effects of incivility on patients, whose care may be impeded or their faith in caregivers eroded in hostile, uncivil care environments. Nurses in professional development play a crucial role in promoting a culture of civility through raising awareness, supporting nurses new to the profession, and helping health care workers to better cope with incivility.