Nursing students and faculty perception of academic incivility: A descriptive qualitative study

Incivility is one of the significant challenges that affect nursing education. Uncivil behaviors have a significant upward trend compared to the past in nursing education. This study was conducted to explore academic incivility from the perspective of nursing students and faculty.

This study was conducted in 2021 using a descriptive qualitative method. Fifteen baccalaureate nursing students and six faculty were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data was collected through in‑depth semi‑structured interviews, and a qualitative content analysis was applied for data analysis.

Data analysis revealed four categories, namely, ineffective teaching–learning, inapposite/ unreasonable requests, behaviors disrupting mutually respectful environment, and academic dishonesty, and 14 subcategories.

To reduce incivility, closer attention needs to be paid to the admission of faculty as well as training them to use effective communication techniques and interactive teaching methods. In addition, nursing students must be provided with the training about uncivil behaviors. Furthermore, clear and precise rules and regulations concerning incivility incidence should be developed and implemented in the universities.