Impact of basic civility techniques on satisfaction in a nursing course

Abstract

Background and objective: Uncivil student behaviors witnessed in nursing courses have been linked to uncivil clinical behaviors when students graduate and begin practice in the hospital setting.  This can result in less than favorable patient outcomes. Hence the importance of building civility in nursing education. This study explored student satisfaction related to basic civility strategies implemented in an entry level nursing course.Methods: This descriptive study utilized course evaluations to measure and compare student satisfaction before and after implementing basic civility techniques in an entry level nursing course. The university Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewed and approved this project.Results: The overall evaluation score was significantly different from the fall semester to the spring semester, U = 223.0, p = .004.Conclusions: Basic civility techniques add to the course satisfaction as reported by students.