Abstract
Introduction: Toxic cultures in nursing academia are environments characterized by incivility, bullying, and harassment, all concepts well defined in the literature (Beckmann et al., 2013; Clark, 2013; Fry & Schmer, 2021). While some toxic cultures can be addressed with targeted interventions, others are more widespread, established, and difficult to dismantle (Beitz & Beckmann, 2023; Clark & Ritter, 2018; Coates, 2024; Goldberg et al., 2013; Olsen et al., 2020). Specific data are scarce; however, as negative behaviors persist and intensify, we believe the unexplored phenomenon of entrenched toxic culture (ETC) emerges.
Purpose: This concept analysis aims to define ETCs in nursing academia by identifying its uses, attributes, antecedents, and consequences, and proposes an operational definition and strategies to address and mitigate its effects. The goal is to foster a healthy, supportive academic setting that enhances the well-being and professional growth of all its members.
Theoretical Framework: Guided by Walker and Avant’s (2019) 8-step concept analysis framework, we reviewed literature on ETC using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, APA, and PsycINFO. Search terms included toxic culture, toxic work environment, workplace aggression, workplace violence, bullying, incivility, harassment, nursing faculty, and nursing education. Two disciplines’ uses of "entrenched" and "toxic," the military and chemistry respectively, were also reviewed.
Findings: The search yielded 193 articles, of which 61 met the inclusion criteria. The concept of ETC implies a deeper, persistent problem ingrained in the institutional fabric. Unlike transient or isolated instances of toxicity, ETCs are systemic, deeply rooted, resistant to change, and pervasive across multiple levels of the nursing academic hierarchy. The effects are profound, harming individuals and disrupting the profession. Consequences include faculty departures, which create a ripple effect, limiting student admissions in nursing programs (AACN, 2024). We offer model, borderline, and contrary cases to further delineate ETC.
Conclusion: The concept of ETC in nursing academia has not been well-defined in the literature. Defining ETC is crucial for breaking the silence and addressing pervasive issues that undermine the well-being of nursing faculty. By analyzing existing uses with the Walker and Avant framework, we can better understand ETCs impact on nursing academia and propose strategies for addressing it.
Notes
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2024). Fact sheet: Nursing faculty shortage. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Fact-Sheets/Faculty-Shortage-Factsheet.pdf
Beckmann, C.A., Cannella, B.L., & Wantland, D. (2013). Faculty perception of bullying in schools of nursing. Journal of Professional Nursing, 29(5), 287-294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2012.05.012
Beitz, J.M., & Beckmann, C.A. (2023). Social bullying in nursing and health sciences academia: A qualitative study. Journal of Nursing Management, 31(2), 284-297. https://doi.org/10.1891/JNM-2021-0088
Clark, C.M. (2013). National study on faculty-to-faculty incivility: Strategies to foster collegiality and civility. Nurse Educator, 38(3), 98-102. https://doi.10.1097/NNE.0b013e31828dc1b2
Clark C.M., & Ritter, K. (2018). Policy to foster civility and support a healthy academic work environment. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(6), 325-331. https://doi:10.3928/01484834-20180522-02
Coates, T.K.L. (2024). Academic abuse: A conceptual framework of the dimensions of toxic culture in higher education and the impact on the meaning of work. Higher Education Quarterly, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.12536.
Goldberg, E., Beitz, J., Wieland, D., & Levine, C. (2013). Social bullying in nursing academia. Nurse Educator, 38(5), 191-197. https://doi:10.1097/NNE.0b013e3182a0e5a0
Fry, A., & Schmer, C. (2021). Nursing faculty bullying: Concept analysis. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37, 1197-1202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.11.001
Olsen, J.M., Aschenbrenner, A., Merkel, R., Pehler, S., Sargent L., & Sperstad, R. (2020). A mixed-methods systematic review of interventions to address incivility in nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 50(6), 319-326. https://doi:10.3928/01484834-20200520-04
Walker, L. O., & Avant, K. C. (2019). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (6th ed.). Pearson Education.
Sigma Membership
Eta Gamma
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Incivility, Workforce, Faculty Development, Nursing Education, Advances in Education, Workplace Culture, Nursing Academia, Toxic Workplace Culture
Recommended Citation
Good, Becky; Kirby, Kristen; and Foli, Karen J., "A Concept Analysis of Entrenched Toxic Cultures in Nursing Academia" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 169.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/169
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-04
A Concept Analysis of Entrenched Toxic Cultures in Nursing Academia
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Introduction: Toxic cultures in nursing academia are environments characterized by incivility, bullying, and harassment, all concepts well defined in the literature (Beckmann et al., 2013; Clark, 2013; Fry & Schmer, 2021). While some toxic cultures can be addressed with targeted interventions, others are more widespread, established, and difficult to dismantle (Beitz & Beckmann, 2023; Clark & Ritter, 2018; Coates, 2024; Goldberg et al., 2013; Olsen et al., 2020). Specific data are scarce; however, as negative behaviors persist and intensify, we believe the unexplored phenomenon of entrenched toxic culture (ETC) emerges.
Purpose: This concept analysis aims to define ETCs in nursing academia by identifying its uses, attributes, antecedents, and consequences, and proposes an operational definition and strategies to address and mitigate its effects. The goal is to foster a healthy, supportive academic setting that enhances the well-being and professional growth of all its members.
Theoretical Framework: Guided by Walker and Avant’s (2019) 8-step concept analysis framework, we reviewed literature on ETC using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, APA, and PsycINFO. Search terms included toxic culture, toxic work environment, workplace aggression, workplace violence, bullying, incivility, harassment, nursing faculty, and nursing education. Two disciplines’ uses of "entrenched" and "toxic," the military and chemistry respectively, were also reviewed.
Findings: The search yielded 193 articles, of which 61 met the inclusion criteria. The concept of ETC implies a deeper, persistent problem ingrained in the institutional fabric. Unlike transient or isolated instances of toxicity, ETCs are systemic, deeply rooted, resistant to change, and pervasive across multiple levels of the nursing academic hierarchy. The effects are profound, harming individuals and disrupting the profession. Consequences include faculty departures, which create a ripple effect, limiting student admissions in nursing programs (AACN, 2024). We offer model, borderline, and contrary cases to further delineate ETC.
Conclusion: The concept of ETC in nursing academia has not been well-defined in the literature. Defining ETC is crucial for breaking the silence and addressing pervasive issues that undermine the well-being of nursing faculty. By analyzing existing uses with the Walker and Avant framework, we can better understand ETCs impact on nursing academia and propose strategies for addressing it.
Description
The concept of entrenched toxic culture (ETC) in nursing academia lacks understanding. Defining ETC is crucial to break the silence and address the pervasive issues undermining the well-being of nursing faculty. This presentation aims to clarify ETC using Walker and Avant’s 8-step method of concept analysis. By examining existing uses and definitions and identifying attributes, antecedents, and consequences of ETC, we can better understand its impact and propose strategies to address it.