Description
AIM OF PAPERThe aim of this initiative was to explore experiences of workplace incivility within the nursing profession and to equip staff with practical strategies to recognise, address, and prevent uncivil behaviours within the workplace.
ABSTRACT
Background
Workplace incivility in nursing is associated with stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and poorer patient outcomes. While global evidence of incivility in nursing is abundant, locally tailored interventions to address it remain limited.
Methods
A collaborative project between a UK university and an NHS Trust was undertaken. A survey was distributed to all registered nurses within the Trust to capture the prevalence and patterns of 13 commonly reported forms of incivility, including verbal affronts, non-verbal innuendo, gossip, backstabbing, infighting, social isolation, and cyberbullying. Responses from 291 registrants revealed that 99% had experienced at least one form of incivility in the previous year at work. The most frequently reported behaviours were non-verbal innuendo, verbal affronts, gossip, backstabbing, infighting, and social isolation, with newly registered nurses reporting their clinical practice being undermined more frequently than experienced nurses.
The survey findings informed the design of interactive workshops attended by nurses, midwives, and Year 3 pre-registration nursing students. Workshops employed real-case scenarios, professional standards, escalation pathways, and Active Bystander Intervention strategies, aiming to equip participants with practical tools to address incivility effectively.
Findings
Workshops were evaluated using pre- and post-surveys. Evaluation demonstrated increased understanding of incivility, awareness of organisational policies and professional guidance, and confidence in raising concerns. Participants valued the use of explicit intervention language, practical strategies, and the opportunity for collaborative discussion.
Impact and Next Steps
The findings are informing the co-design of an e-learning module for all registered nurses within the Trust, and the establishment of anti-incivility champions within each Department. Evidence-informed, interactive interventions can raise awareness, strengthen confidence, and equip staff with the skills to address incivility effectively. Embedding these approaches supports sustained culture change, enhancing staff wellbeing, retention, and the delivery of safe, person-centred care.
DELEGATE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Delegates will gain a comprehensive overview of workplace incivility within nursing, including its prevalence, forms, and impact on staff wellbeing and patient care. The initiative demonstrates how survey findings informed a co-designed intervention, supported by collaboration with Trust leadership, directorates, and multidisciplinary teams. Attendees will see practical strategies for delivering workshops, engaging clinical areas, and ensuring participation for staff and students. They will also learn about the development, pilot, and rollout of an e-learning module to reinforce civility. This project provides a transferable education model for promoting respectful, safe, and inclusive practice across healthcare and educational settings.
RECOMMENDED READING TITLES
Anusiewicz C.V., Ivankova N.V., Swiger P.A., Gillespie G.L., Li P. and Patrician P.A. (2020) How does workplace bullying influence nurses’ abilities to provide patient care? A nurse perspective. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 29, 4148-4160.
Gillespie, G., Tamsukhin, S.M., Galloway, E. Garde, D. and Grubb, P. (2024) Don’t be nasty: A phenomenological study of newly licensed nurses and workplace bullying. Teaching and Learning in Nursing. 19, 164-169.
Vessey, J. A., & Williams, L. (2021). Addressing Bullying and Lateral Violence in the Workplace: A Quality Improvement Initiative. Journal of nursing care quality, 36(1), 20–24.
| Period | 15 Apr 2026 → 16 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Royal College of Nursing Education Conference 2026 |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |