5 Strategies to Deal with Toxic Nursing Culture

With over 30 years of nursing experience, I've witnessed firsthand the "nurses eat their young" phenomenon. This toxic culture can affect both new graduates and seasoned nurses transitioning to new units. Today, I want to share five key strategies to help nurses cope with and transform toxic nursing environments.

1 - Hone Your Assertive Communication Skills

Develop a go-to assertive communication statement for addressing unprofessional or disrespectful interactions. Use "I" statements to express your feelings without blaming others. For example:

"I feel uncomfortable when you speak to me in that tone of voice. I would appreciate it if we could move to a private area and lower our voices to continue this discussion."

This approach clearly states your needs and feelings without accusation, often nipping problematic behavior in the bud.

2 - Build a Support Network

Connect with like-minded peers who value professionalism and your opinion. Form strong alliances with colleagues who can offer support, advice, and a safe space to vent when challenging interactions occur.

3 - Communicate with Emotional Intelligence

Go beyond basic therapeutic communication by developing emotional intelligence. This skill allows you to:

• Regulate your own emotions
• Help others regulate their emotions
• Practice empathy
• Understand others' perspectives

Consider taking continuing education courses on emotional intelligence to enhance your communication skills with colleagues and patients alike.

4- Advocate for Zero Tolerance Policies

Even if you're not in a leadership position, promote a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and disrespectful behavior. Encourage reporting of unprofessional conduct to management and support initiatives that foster respectful work environments. Every nurse deserves to work in a professional atmosphere, and those who choose to behave otherwise should face disciplinary action.

5 - Develop a Self-Care Plan

Prioritize your mental and physical well-being to combat burnout in toxic environments. Your self-care plan might include:

• Spending time in nature
• Regular exercise
• Quality time with family
• Engaging in activities that make you laugh
• Utilizing employee wellness programs and counseling services
• Taking proper breaks to recharge

Remember, working in a toxic nursing culture can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Be prepared to take good care of yourself.

Join Us for More Insights

To dive deeper into transforming nursing culture, I invite you to join our upcoming virtual workshop. Over four days, we'll explore:

• Day 1: Why Nurses Are Quitting: The Truth About Toxic Nursing Culture
• Day 2: The Personality Factor: Creating Positive Change In Nursing Culture
• Day 3: Communicating With Influence For Nursing Leaders
• Day 4: Creating A Better Future For Nursing - 1st Steps To Navigating Positive Change

This 4 day workshop is an affordable opportunity to gain new strategies and be part of the positive change our profession needs. I hope you'll join me in this important discussion as we work together to improve our nursing environments.

Sign up here - https://go.nursesfeedtheiryoung.com/mnm-registration