NR 581 Week 7 Discussion

NR 581 Week 7 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-581: Foundational Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Reflect on an Experience in Which You Were Directly Involved or Witnessed Incivility in the Workplace

Provide a Brief Synopsis of the Situation

Synopsis of the Situation
Workplace incivility in healthcare environments can undermine collaboration, reduce morale, and jeopardize patient safety. Even subtle behaviors can erode professional respect and disrupt the culture of care (Clark, 2021). I witnessed such an incident while serving as a leader in the antenatal testing department.

The administration had recently announced the relocation of outpatient testing services to another facility, accompanied by staffing adjustments. This change created considerable stress and uncertainty among staff members. During this period, a bilingual nurse and secretary often conversed in Spanish in front of colleagues who did not understand the language. Their tone and mannerisms led others to believe that the conversations were personal or potentially critical in nature.

When one nurse politely suggested that such discussions be moved to the staff lounge to avoid creating division, the bilingual nurse became defensive, asserting her right to speak her native language. The issue recurred multiple times, eventually prompting another nurse to report the matter to management, expressing feelings of exclusion and disrespect among team members.

Describe How the Situation Made You Feel. Discuss Your Response or the Response of Others Involved.

Feelings and Response
This experience left me unsettled, as the tension compromised team cohesion and contradicted the principles of respect central to healthcare professionalism. I empathized with those who felt excluded, recognizing that such divisions could worsen morale during an already stressful period of transition.

In response, I arranged a private meeting with the bilingual staff members to discuss how their actions might be perceived by others. While acknowledging their right to communicate in their native language, I emphasized the importance of inclusivity, especially during organizational changes. I encouraged open and respectful communication as a way to strengthen team unity. Other colleagues echoed similar concerns, reinforcing the shared belief that transparency and mutual respect were essential for maintaining morale.

What Were the Consequences of This Situation? Provide an Example of How This Affected the Work Environment and Outcomes.

Consequences of the Situation
The incident had several negative repercussions on the team’s functioning. One nurse who felt marginalized began avoiding collaboration and withdrew from group discussions, which delayed task completion. This lack of collaboration reduced efficiency and posed potential risks to patient safety due to lapses in communication.

The table below summarizes the observed consequences:

This situation demonstrated that even seemingly minor acts of incivility could escalate into significant organizational challenges. Over time, divisions among staff became more apparent, undermining unity and potentially diminishing the quality of patient care.

How Could the Situation Have Been Prevented? Discuss Evidence-Based Strategies That Would Support a Healthy Work Environment.

Prevention Strategies
Preventing workplace incivility requires a proactive, structured approach that prioritizes respect, inclusivity, and professional accountability. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, promoting civility, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork is essential to sustaining a healthy work environment (Clark, 2019). Research identifies four key strategies—leadership, communication, teamwork, and professional autonomy—as vital components of civility and collaboration (Mabona, van Rooyen, & ten Ham-Baloyi, 2022).

Leadership
Leaders play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a respectful culture. By modeling professionalism, encouraging feedback, and setting clear behavioral expectations, leaders foster civility and inclusivity. Implementing open-door policies and conducting regular staff check-ins can help identify and resolve potential conflicts early.

Communication
Training staff in cultural competence and effective communication is essential to preventing misunderstandings. Encouraging inclusive communication practices—especially during stressful transitions—helps unify the team and build trust.

Teamwork
Organizing structured team-building activities and regular meetings promotes collaboration and accountability. Providing access to conflict-resolution resources allows employees to address issues constructively rather than allowing them to escalate.

Professional Autonomy
Empowering staff to participate in decision-making processes enhances confidence and reduces stressors that often lead to incivility. Recognition programs that celebrate teamwork and inclusivity can further reinforce positive workplace behaviors.

By applying these evidence-based strategies, healthcare organizations can mitigate conflict, promote stronger relationships, and establish a safe and collaborative environment that supports both staff well-being and optimal patient outcomes.

References

Clark, C. M. (2019). Fostering a culture of civility and respect in nursing. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30082-1

Clark, C. M. (2021). Creating and sustaining civility in nursing education (3rd ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International.

Mabona, J. F., van Rooyen, D., & ten Ham-Baloyi, W. (2022). Best practice recommendations for healthy work environments for nurses: An integrative literature review. Health SA Gesondheid, 27, a1788. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1788

NR 581 Week 7 Discussion