In their own words: Nurses countering workplace incivility

The inexcusable effects of workplace incivility on Registered Nurses (RNs) have been extensively noted in the literature and social media. Terms such as bullying, hostile, incivility, and others have been used to describe negative behaviors that affect all health-care workers. These effects can have devastating consequences on the quality of the personal and professional lives of RNs. A qualitative research study examined how extensive the distress of workplace incivility actually is in the healthcare environment. The study also captured the perceptions of the interviewed RNs noting their own description of the destructive force incivility has upon nurses. RN's were asked their personal insights of what interventions might stop or prevent such behavior. Based on both of these findings, a collection of resources has been compiled with the intent to support RNs in managing uncivil behaviors. Although the study was a specific evaluation of RNs, the findings are applicable to other health care specialties as well.