If you are concerned about rude and disruptive behaviors in your academic colleagues, nursing staff, and nursing students, Creating & Sustaining Civility in Nursing Education1 is a must-read. In this book, the author, Cynthia (Cindy) Clark, PhD, ANEF, FAAN, RN, describes the existence and consequences of incivility, fosters civil learning and work environments, and challenges readers to be a role model for change.
The numerous examples of incivility at different stages of nursing careers are poignant and sad. Reading these examples brought to mind the behavior of a former nursing colleague from 30 years ago. In my 1st job as a nurse educator, this experienced colleague (Fran) was to be my course partner and mentor. We were teamed together with a group of students whom we would rotate at midterm. Most of the time, Fran would not even acknowledge me when I greeted her. According to the students, she was intimidating and mean. They were demoralized when she told them she would never allow any family member of hers to be taken care of by them. Interacting with Fran was painful and very difficult, but I made sure she did not destroy my love for teaching. Her behavior clearly showed me how "not" to act as a nurse educator. After reading this book and as Clark notes, we cannot change a problem until we can name it. I now can name Fran's behavior as incivility. Clark provides examples of incivility in students and faculty. Disruptive student behaviors include coming to class late, misusing cell phones, holding distracting side conversations, challenging faculty knowledge and credibility, and making harassing comments. Faculty incivility toward students damages their confidence, erodes their self-worth, and diminishes their sense of well-being. Examples that undermine the learning environment include treating students in a condescending and demeaning way, using inconsistent grading, pressuring students to conform, and showing preferential treatment toward some students. As a result of this treatment, many students report feeling traumatized, powerless, helpless, and angry. The far-reaching effects of incivility cannot be minimized. An important part of this book is the describing the link between incivility and psychological/physiological stress.
Incivility is a problem that must be identified and addressed for the integrity of our profession. As the author notes, "even if we do not exhibit uncivilly, we, in essence, condone it if we ignore or fail to address it."1(p85) At least half of this book includes evidence-based strategies to address incivility. Examples include raising awareness, positive role modeling, academic mentoring, stress management, and self-care. Chapter 9 is a gold mine for new teachers and a review for seasoned teachers. The author describes the importance of the first day of class and shows how to cocreate a positive learning environment. The author notes that involving students in active learning strategies promotes cooperation and collaboration and minimizes disruptive behaviors. Chapter 10 is invaluable because it describes and shows how to use classroom assessment techniques.
The last few chapters suggest ways to foster organizational civility for faculty, leaders, and students. It is not surprising that many of these behaviors resonated with my passion for professional etiquette. Seeing this connection reminded me of a quote in this book, "Civility is not another piece to be added onto the plate of an educator, it 'is' the plate upon which all else is placed."1(p15) This sentence sums up the book's essence. The author pours her heart and soul into this topic. Her passion and commitment to dealing with incivility is admirable and inspiring.
This book is an excellent resource for nurse educators. Many of its chapters provide excellent information for nursing students and practicing nurses. With a niece entering nursing school this year, it is my hope that faculty will read this book and recognize their role in creating and sustaining civility.
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