Which term describes hostile, disrespectful behavior among nurses in the workplace?

• A. Burnout
• B. Incivility
• C. Reality Shock
• D. Stewardship

Answer: (B)

Incivility describes hostile, disrespectful behavior among nurses in the workplace. It includes acts like belittling a colleague, rude comments, dismissive attitudes, sarcasm, back-channel criticism, and undermining collaboration. This term focuses on interpersonal conduct among staff rather than internal states or external pressures. Burnout is about chronic emotional exhaustion and disengagement, not the behavior itself; reality shock is the sudden realization that practice differs from expectations; stewardship is about responsible management of resources. Recognizing incivility is important because it erodes teamwork, worsens communication, increases stress, and can threaten patient safety and job satisfaction.