Abstract
Background: Workplace Incivility is "low-intensity deviant behavior with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect." (Andersson & Pearson, 1999, p. 452). Healthy work environments are linked to patient safety and positive outcomes.
Purpose/Aims: The aims of the study were to determine relationships and predictors of individual and organizational factors influencing workplace incivility as well as its impact on productivity and costs.
Methods: This non-experimental study of 659 staff nurses was conducted in 2009. This study is based on the Conceptual Model of Workplace Incivility (Pearson et al., 2005). IRB approval was obtained. The instruments were: Nursing Incivility Scale (Guidroz, 2007), Work Limitation Questionnaire (1998), and a demographic component.
Results: Experience with workplace incivility in the last year 85% (n = 553). Previous experience with workplace incivility was associated with higher incivility scores (p < 0.001). Managers who handle workplace incivility predicted less incivility on the unit (p < 0.001). There was a negative relationship between the staff nurses' perception of their Manager's ability to handle workplace incivility in all subscales except patient/visitor. The OR setting had greater workplace incivility than the ICU and Med/Surg (p<0.001). Staff nurses working in healthy work environments, defined as Magnet, Pathway to Excellence and/or Beacon Unit recognition, reported lower WPI scores compared to nurses working in the standard work environment (p < 0.01). There was a negative relationship between workplace incivility and productivity. Lost productivity was calculated at $11,581/nurse/year.
Conclusions: Hospitals can not afford the people and financial impact of workplace incivility. The influence on nurses and patient safety can not be discounted. Further research is needed. Civility matters!
Sigma Membership
Unknown
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Work Environment, Productivity, Workplace Incivility
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Patricia S. and Malecha, Ann T., "Impact of workplace incivility on staff nurses including productivity and financial consequences" (2012). Convention. 42.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2011/presentations_2011/42
Conference Name
41st Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Grapevine, Texas, USA
Conference Year
2011
Rights Holder
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Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Impact of workplace incivility on staff nurses including productivity and financial consequences
Grapevine, Texas, USA
Background: Workplace Incivility is "low-intensity deviant behavior with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect." (Andersson & Pearson, 1999, p. 452). Healthy work environments are linked to patient safety and positive outcomes.
Purpose/Aims: The aims of the study were to determine relationships and predictors of individual and organizational factors influencing workplace incivility as well as its impact on productivity and costs.
Methods: This non-experimental study of 659 staff nurses was conducted in 2009. This study is based on the Conceptual Model of Workplace Incivility (Pearson et al., 2005). IRB approval was obtained. The instruments were: Nursing Incivility Scale (Guidroz, 2007), Work Limitation Questionnaire (1998), and a demographic component.
Results: Experience with workplace incivility in the last year 85% (n = 553). Previous experience with workplace incivility was associated with higher incivility scores (p < 0.001). Managers who handle workplace incivility predicted less incivility on the unit (p < 0.001). There was a negative relationship between the staff nurses' perception of their Manager's ability to handle workplace incivility in all subscales except patient/visitor. The OR setting had greater workplace incivility than the ICU and Med/Surg (p<0.001). Staff nurses working in healthy work environments, defined as Magnet, Pathway to Excellence and/or Beacon Unit recognition, reported lower WPI scores compared to nurses working in the standard work environment (p < 0.01). There was a negative relationship between workplace incivility and productivity. Lost productivity was calculated at $11,581/nurse/year.
Conclusions: Hospitals can not afford the people and financial impact of workplace incivility. The influence on nurses and patient safety can not be discounted. Further research is needed. Civility matters!
Description
41st Biennial Convention - 29 October-2 November 2011. Theme: People and Knowledge: Connecting for Global Health. Held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & convention Center.