Relationship Between Workplace Incivility and the Professional Quality of Life in Nurses

Abstract Background: Workplace Incivility is a common issue in the nursing profession. On the other hand, studies imply that the professional quality of life in nurses is lower than average. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between workplace incivility and the professional quality of life in nurses.Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran. Participants were 200 nurses randomly recruited from selected hospitals of TUMS. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Nursing Incivility Scale (NIS), and the Professional Quality Of Life scale (ProQOL). Data analysis was performed through correlation test and multiple regression analysis, using the SPSS software version 16.Results: The mean age of participants was 32.30 ± 7.22, and 76.5% were female. There was a significant correlation between the professional quality of life and workplace incivility. Multiple regression analysis between the subscales of workplace incivility and professional quality of life demonstrated that the incivility from the supervisor (β= -0.29, P= 0.001) and incivility from patients (β= -0.27, P< 0.001) can predict the compassion satisfaction dimension. The incivility from the supervisor (β= 0.24, P= 0.001) and incivility from patients (β= 0.26, P< 0.001) can explain burnout. The incivility from the patients can explain secondary traumatic stress (β= 0.14, P= 0.02).Conclusions: This study showed that nurses experienced the incivility of various groups, including doctors and patients. Therefore, it seems necessary to identify behaviors of incivility and to reduce them through various ways like continuous training courses, clarifying the roles of nurses, and improving the professional image of nursing in society.