More often than not, incivility in the workplace (either external or internal) creates a tension-filled environment. The stress and negative energy generated from the detrimental behavior of even one colleague or patient can be contagious and exert its disruptive effect on the entire staff. Disruptions are often manifested in the splitting of staff, decreased communication and collaboration, lack of teamwork, low morale, and increased staff absenteeism and turnover (Yoder-Wise, 2015, p. 465). These disruptive factors lead to decreased efficiency, meaning more energy has to be expended to achieve the same productivity; subsequently, increasing the probability of mistakes/errors and putting the patient population at risk. Remarkably, Yoder-Wise …show more content…
Working in a tension-filled environment, managing stressful situations, and interacting with difficult people are all forms of psychological noise: factors that impede effective (reciprocal) communication (Purpora & Blegen, 2012, p. 3). In our last discussion, I provided an example of conflict using an interaction I had with a physician who had a history of being disruptive and disrespectful to both nurses and other physicians. As a result of this reputation for being difficult, the interprofessional team had predetermined beliefs and attitudes which increased the risk that the physician’s (sender) message would not reach the intended colleague (recipient). Consequently, non-reciprocal communication increases the probability of medical mistakes and places patients at higher …show more content…
 The organization should convey the results of the self-assessment with staff to promote awareness of the problem.
 The organization should create avenues of open communication between nurses and physicians (and any other members of the interprofessional team who are experiencing aggressive/destructive behavior) in an anti-antagonistic environment to discuss issues. Therapeutic communication (i.e., reciprocal messaging, active listening, and awareness of nonverbal body language) is requisite for successful interpersonal, intraprofessional, or any collaborative effort.
 The organization should afford education focused on mutual respect among colleagues and the benefits of team collaboration, communication, teamwork, and conflict