The experience of incivility in nursing education can be difficult for novice and experienced faculty. The workplace may become an environment of hostility and a source of stress, resulting in depression and physical illnesses. Mindfulness-based meditation teaches us to think before we react and to discover the origin of our frustrations, stress, anxiety, and depression, thereby disempowering the difficult circumstances currently being faced within our immediate environment. The key components of mindfulness include paying attention, focusing on your breathing, and awakening your senses to your external environment and internal responses to the uncivil behavior. Focus on your strengths. If you are a person of faith, pray. Spend time with people who support you such as family, close friends, or a spiritual community. Exercise daily and eat healthy. Practice mindfulness at least 15 to 20 minutes, 4 to 8 times a day. Mindfulness-based meditation approaches can be used by nurse educators and nurses experiencing workplace incivility to facilitate effective coping. Awareness of the value and importance of oneself can assist nurse educators experiencing incivility to maintain their emotional, physical, and spiritual health despite the volatility of the work environment.

Submitted by Cheryl Green, PhD, DNP, RN, LCSW, CNL, Department of Nursing, Southern Connecticut State University, Jennings Hall Office 135B (mailto:[email protected]).