Impact of bullying and incivility on new graduate nurses: How preceptors can break the cycle
Topic of Interest
Role of CNS in Diversity and Inclusion
Quality Initiatives
Abstract
Problem: Bullying and Incivility have been an issue in the nursing profession for a long period of time. The main impact on staff nurses is stress, anxiety, depression and psychosomatic illnesses. Being in an atmosphere where there is incivility and bullying could cause new graduate nurses to leave their current positions or the nursing profession entirely.
Objective: The overall purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase nurse’s knowledge of the impact of bullying and incivility on new graduate nurses and explore strategies to decrease or stop this behavior in the workplace.
Methods: Using strategies from a Civility Tool-kit, an hour-long educational program was implemented over the course of four weeks to preceptors on three acute care medicine units and one observation medicine unit with a focus on decreasing workplace bullying and incivility toward new graduate nurses. A pre-and post-survey was given to the preceptors to assess their response to the intervention. The Clark Civility Index tool was given to new graduate nurses to compare bullying and incivility behaviors towards them pre and post implementation of the educational sessions.
Anticipated Contribution to Practice: It is anticipated that this program will increase preceptor knowledge and awareness of bullying and incivility with the overarching goal of empowering them to become champions and advocates for civility in the workplace. Preceptors can help break the cycle of bullying and incivility which will promote a respectful, civil, and safe environment for new graduate nurses to flourish which can also improve their retention.