Promoting a Culture of Civility in Nursing Learning Environments

BACKGROUND: Incivility in nursing education imperils the well-being of both faculty and students, is damaging to professional relationships, and hinders the exchange of knowledge in nursing learning environments. Because supportive, respectful learning environments foster students' ability to flourish and reach their highest potential, it is essential that open dialogue and relationship building in nursing education are as valued as content taught. PURPOSE: This study explored strategies for promoting a culture of civility in nursing learning environments. METHOD: A 9-item survey was used to gather insights from nurses (n = 441) about how incivility could be managed or prevented in order to promote a culture of civility. RESULTS: The data revealed 2 major themes: personal action, and organization action. CONCLUSION: Nursing faculty, students, and schools/programs can promote civility in nursing learning environments through establishing a power balance, effective communication, self-reflection, setting clear expectations early, and instituting consequences for violating a culture of civility.