Study shows how to help nurses cope with incivility

Nurses are more likely to cope with incivility if they have a broad peer support network and are able to reframe those experiences as acts of self-sacrifice, according to a study. Without a peer support network, reframing negative experiences may do more harm, according to study co-author Amy Colbert, a professor of management and entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa. The authors surveyed hundreds of nurses and asked how they cope with uncivil patient behavior. They found hospitals could help nurses stay engaged by offering more frequent one-on-one manager meetings and facilitating authentic connections that help to build a broad network of peers. Colbert also stressed the importance of hospitals taking actions to stop uncivil patient behavior. (Newswire release, 2/13/23)