Speak-Up Culture in Academic Nursing: Empowering Junior Faculty

Background: Faculty-to-faculty incivility in academic nursing is well documented, yet speaking up about the unprofessional behaviors of academic colleagues is still a challenge, particularly for junior faculty. Method: A unique faculty development session presented an opportunity to explore junior faculty experiences and perceptions of incivility, with the objectives of addressing concerns in a safe environment, identifying appropriate responses and resources for managing incivility, and supporting decisional influences on speaking up. Results: Junior faculty were valued for their unique perspectives of the institutional culture and empowered as members of speak-up culture in the academic setting. Conclusion: Administrators benefit from intentionally seeking junior faculty perspectives regarding unprofessional faculty behaviors in the academic setting. Overall school culture benefits from ongoing efforts toward discussion, resource development, and upholding policies related to incivility.