Completion of the “Clark Healthy Workplace Inventory” showed me that my workplace is characterized by a remarkably high level of civility, with an overall score of 91. I am pleased to be a part of such a caring organization that prioritizes the well-being of its patients and workers. All of members of the medical care system should strive to create and maintain a healthy work environment that conditions clear and effective conflict management and respectful treatment of all the members (Clark, 2015). This is inherent to my workplace, as I have always felt that I am treated respectfully and experienced professional communication with my management and the staff. Despite my workplace being civil, the assessment pointed out the space for improvement, specifically trust-building.
One of the criteria used in this assessment tool showed a lack of discernable level of trust between formal leadership and other staff members, as I marked it with a “neutral” score. One of the requirements for a healthy work environment is civility conversations at all organizational levels (Clark, 2015). This factor plays an integral part in managing challenging conversations.
Once I experienced a miscommunication with my nursing care partner, which led to a potentially dangerous situation for the patient and a financial loss for my department. My NCP, who takes vitals, did not report to me about the elevated blood pressure of a patient whom I was supposed to infuse medication to. This medication could make the blood pressure even higher, which would have put the patient in a perilous condition. Besides, my department would have been imposed a fine for wasting the medication. Using an evidence-based approach, such as “I” messaging and avoidance of “You” messaging, I have explained to my NCP the importance of reporting the vitals and discussed the possible dangerous consequences of situations like this happening in the future (Clark, 2018). The NCP thanked me and has been diligent in their responsibilities ever since. The trust within our partnership grew, and our work became more coherent.
The need for civility in health care settings is crucial because the health of the patients can be directly dependent on it. In turn, a lack of civility can have a negative and demotivational impact on the individuals, staff and the general comfort of the health organization (Clark, 2018). That is why it is integral to follow the civility principles in all kinds of communication within the workplace.
References
Clark, C. (2018). Combining cognitive rehearsal, simulation, and evidence-based scripting to address incivility. Nurse Educator, 44(2), 64-68.
Clark, C. (2015). Conversations to inspire and promote a more civil workplace. American Nurse Today, 10(11), 18-23. Web.