Abstract
Background. This article discusses problems associated with incivility in nursing education and a proposed implementation strategy designed to decrease uncivil acts of student behavior.
Problem description. Like most colleges across the nation, this nursing program was experiencing an increase in acts of student incivility.
Operational definitions. Incivility, also called bullying, may include behaviors such as name calling, side conversations, and condescending language.
Method. The sample consisted of 94 third-semester nursing students and 6 faculty members. The Incivility in Nursing Education survey was used as a tool to measure student and faculty perceptions.
Data analysis. Data from pre- and postimplementation surveys demonstrated scientific evidence of both faculty and student perception and a significant decrease in acts of uncivil behavior in the nursing program.
Limitations. Because the study was limited to one nursing program and included only third-semester nursing students, the results of the study may not be transferable to all nursing programs.
Conclusions. The study revealed a reduction in perceived uncivil acts of behavior in the nursing program by faculty and students.