Entrenched toxic culture in academic nursing: A concept analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Organizational Psychology
• Academic Culture

Background:

• Entrenched toxic cultures (ETCs) are a pervasive yet underexplored issue in academic nursing.
• ETCs are distinct from general unhealthy workplaces, characterized by deeply malignant and highly resistant problems.
• These cultures consume organizations from within, posing significant challenges to the academic environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the concept of Entrenched Toxic Cultures (ETCs) within academic nursing.
• To establish a clear understanding of the characteristics and impact of ETCs.
• To provide a foundation for developing strategies to create safer academic workplaces.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis using Walker and Avant's eight-step method.
• Systematic analysis of literature to identify defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of ETCs.
• Qualitative analysis to synthesize findings related to the concept.

Main Results:

• ETCs are defined by five key attributes: high intensity, chronic repetition, attribution to power imbalances, normalization, and resistance to change.
• Antecedents and consequences of ETCs are multifactorial, impacting various levels of the academic hierarchy.
• The analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the core elements that constitute an ETC.

Conclusions:

• Defining ETCs is crucial for addressing toxic behaviors and improving faculty well-being.
• Understanding the specific attributes of ETCs allows for the development of targeted interventions.
• Further research and strategic interventions are needed to combat ETCs in academic nursing.