Workplace Incivility Among OR Nurses: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Workplace incivility (WPI) is a form of rude behavior involving a disregard for another individual that occurs in perioperative environments. Workplace incivility can cause burnout and negatively affect patient safety, job performance, professional productivity, and mental and physical health. The purpose of our study was to describe the essential structure of the lived experience of WPI among RN circulators in the southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen nurses were interviewed, and descriptive phenomenological methods were used to code the interview transcripts and determine themes and subthemes. The three themes were enduring incivility as an individualized test; COVID-19 as an accelerant for WPI; and addressing WPI through accountability, communication, and education. There is an urgent need to address WPI in the OR. Perioperative health care professionals can use these findings to enhance the overall health of their work environment and begin to foster a culture of civility.