Name
Chamberlain University
NR-581: Foundational Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Synopsis of the Situation
Incivility within healthcare settings often undermines teamwork, decreases morale, and places patient safety at risk. Disrespectful or exclusionary behaviors can create a toxic workplace culture that impacts collaboration and decision-making (Clark, 2021). I personally encountered such a situation while serving as a leader in the antenatal testing department.
The hospital administration had announced that the outpatient testing services would soon be relocated to an offsite facility. As a result, not all staff members would be retained in the transition. This announcement led to anxiety, frustration, and a noticeable rise in tension among the team.
Two staff members, a nurse and a secretary, were bilingual and frequently conversed in Spanish in front of colleagues who did not understand the language. Their tone and expressions gave the impression that they were speaking about others in a disrespectful manner. Although one of the nurses politely requested that such conversations be moved to the staff lounge to avoid creating division, the bilingual nurse became defensive, stating that she had the right to communicate in her native language. After multiple occurrences, the concerned nurse escalated the issue to leadership, expressing that she and others felt excluded and disrespected.
Feelings and Response
This experience left me feeling uneasy and concerned for the staff’s cohesion. I empathized with the team members who felt excluded, as the behavior seemed isolating and contrary to the values of collaboration and respect that healthcare settings require.
My immediate response was to privately address the bilingual staff members, encouraging them to reflect on how their communication choices might be perceived by others. I explained that although speaking one’s mother tongue is not inherently wrong, the context of heightened workplace stress made inclusivity even more important. Other colleagues expressed similar discomfort, agreeing that mutual respect and transparent communication were essential for team morale.
Consequences of the Situation
The incident negatively impacted the team’s dynamics. The staff member who felt excluded became less engaged and withdrew from routine discussions. Her reluctance to collaborate hindered teamwork, leading to slower completion of tasks that typically required shared input.
The table below summarizes the main consequences observed:
| Area Affected | Observed Impact |
|---|---|
| Team Cohesion | Breakdown of trust, increased division, and reduced willingness to collaborate. |
| Staff Morale | Decline in workplace satisfaction; staff reported feeling excluded and disrespected. |
| Productivity | Tasks that normally relied on group effort were carried out individually, reducing efficiency. |
| Patient Care | Potential delays and lapses in communication that could compromise safety. |
This behavior created a precedent, reinforcing divisions among staff and undermining a culture of unity. In turn, patient care outcomes risked being compromised due to ineffective collaboration.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing incivility in the workplace requires intentional efforts to foster inclusivity, respect, and professionalism. The American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code of Ethics emphasizes civility, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative practice as essential to effective nursing practice (Clark, 2019). Evidence-based recommendations highlight four critical themes: strong leadership, effective communication, teamwork, and professional autonomy (Mabona, van Rooyen, & ten Ham-Baloyi, 2022).
Leadership: Leaders must set the tone for inclusivity by recognizing diverse perspectives, maintaining an open-door policy, and reinforcing accountability for respectful communication. By modeling civility, leaders create an environment where employees feel safe to raise concerns.
Communication: Training staff in cultural competence and inclusive communication reduces misunderstandings. Encouraging transparency and discouraging exclusionary conversations promotes unity.
Teamwork: Collaboration fosters trust and accountability. Structured team meetings and conflict-resolution mechanisms can ensure that everyone participates equally.
Professional Autonomy: Supporting nurses’ contributions and providing recognition for their input enhances job satisfaction and reduces workplace stressors that may otherwise escalate into incivility.
By integrating these practices, organizations can establish a culture of respect and civility that minimizes the risk of conflict, enhances patient outcomes, and promotes staff well-being.
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
