Empowering Nursing Culture: Confronting Incivility with Dr. Connie Montalbo DNP, MBA, RN

In this episode of PX Space host Linda Robinson, MSN, RN, CPXP speaks with guest Dr. Connie Montalbo, a distinguished nursing executive who is on a mission to eradicate incivility in nursing.  Dr. Montalbo is an interim nurse executive for BE Smith, and she's also the Founder & CEO of End Incivility Today.

In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate challenges surrounding incivility within the nursing profession. With a staggering 5.2 million nurses in the United States alone, nursing continues to be the most trusted profession year after year. However, incivility remains a persistent issue. Dr. Montalbo brings her extensive expertise to the table as she discusses the underlying causes of incivility in nursing, shedding light on the complex interplay of personal stress, workplace stress, and the high demands placed upon nurses. She also discusses the crucial role leadership plays in combating incivility. 

We explore the heightened impact of incivility in the post-COVID era, as nurses grapple with workforce shortages, increased complexity, burnout, and uncertainty. Dr. Montalbo provides valuable insights into how these stressors create an environment ripe for incivility, affecting both workplace culture and patient care.

Listen in as we uncover the various dimensions of incivility, from the overt instances like yelling and screaming to the subtler forms like eye-rolling and exclusion. Dr. Montalbo breaks down the distinction between incivility and bullying, and how addressing these behaviors requires distinct strategies. She also shares practical tactics for fostering a culture of accountability, empowering nurses to address incivility head-on, and the pivotal role leadership plays in setting the tone for a respectful work environment.

Throughout the episode, we learn about Dr. Montalbo's remarkable journey in transforming toxic work environments into thriving, respectful units. Her anecdotes illustrate the profound impact of coaching and support on behavior change, even among the most challenging individuals.

As we navigate this crucial conversation, it becomes clear that addressing incivility isn't just a matter of improving workplace dynamics—it's a crucial step toward enhancing patient safety, employee engagement, and overall organizational success. Dr. Montalbo's expertise and passion shine through as she offers actionable insights and tangible steps for creating a culture of kindness and respect in nursing.