Nursing faculty experiences with student incivility in South Korea: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Student academic incivility is a serious problem in nursing education because it negatively influences the learning process, wellbeing of faculty members, and faculty–student relationships. The aim of this study was to explore nursing faculty experiences related to student incivility in nursing education. METHODS: We used an exploratory qualitative methodology and conducted in-depth interviews with 14 nursing faculty members working at 11 nursing universities in South Korea. A qualitative content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: The six themes that emerged from the faculty experiences were nursing student indifference to teachers’ expectations; ignoring behavioral standards in school life; differing responses to uncivil student behavior; self-reflection as a nursing educator; negative impact on faculty in a nursing education context; and awareness of civility in a nursing education context. CONCLUSION: Dealing with student academic incivility in nursing education is one of the most challenging tasks for faculty members, and it should be managed to provide a comfortable learning environment. The present study delineated the uncivil behavior experienced by the faculty and their negative effects in the educational context and suggested alternatives to manage student incivility and foster a positive educational environment through the eyes of the faculty. The findings of this study suggest an evidence-based direction for fostering a culture of civility in nursing schools.