5 signs of a healthy workplace

Nursing students are often shocked about the real nursing world. Some nurses have wonderful experiences and great preceptors throughout their nursing journey. However, some nurses have their share of negative experiences in toxic workplaces. In my own nursing journey, I have experienced bullying, gaslighting, and discrimination. When starting a new position, it may be difficult to assess if you are in a toxic place.

Here are some signs of a toxic workplace:

• Lack of healthy boundaries at work
• Unrealistic workload, expecting employees to work late or check emails outside of normal working hours
• Lack of trust, leadership is constantly checking in on employees
• No room for mistakes, blame heavy culture
• Lack of transparency or withholding information
• Lack of clear communication, structure, and expectations
• Unhealthy interpersonal relationships
• No support for employee growth or continuing education
• Leadership gaslights you or makes you question your own feelings and perceptions
• High turnover and people are disengaged
• Experience physical symptoms of work stress (e.g., anxiety, depression, sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues)

It is important to be able to recognize a toxic workplace and be able to address it.

As I got more comfortable with nursing, my advocacy muscles got stronger. I was able to stand up for myself and stop the bullying that I was experiencing. I was able to stand up and advocate for other nursing colleagues, and now the nursing profession. Speaking to many other nurses during my career, I have realized that there are many more toxic workplaces due to the high demands of healthcare. My mission today is to empower nurses globally to be all that they can be and to make an impact in healthy workplaces.

A healthy work environment for nurses is crucial for their well-being and ability to provide quality care to patients. As research demonstrates, healthy workplaces are beneficial for all involved. It is a simple equation—when nurses are happy, patients are happy and receive better care. It surprises me when organizations do not invest in their employees’ well-being or satisfaction, and when they do not cultivate healthy work environments.

Carefully selecting leaders is extremely important to cultivating healthy work environments.

Healthy work environments don’t just magically appear. For our profession to have sustainable growth and retention, organizations have to be more intentional about creating healthy work environments. But let’s be real—nurses and other healthcare professionals also have some work to do. We have to hold each other accountable for our actions and not just turn our heads. It takes a collective effort to address this multifactorial and complex issue.

When I speak of healthy work environments, I am speaking of all spaces such as nursing schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and anywhere nurses exist. Nursing schools should start incorporating real world nursing issues into curriculum and provide nursing students with the resources, skills, and tools to be able to manage challenging work situations.

As a new graduate nurse starting in the emergency department, travel nurse, educator, and nurse leader with experience working in various organizations both in Canada and the USA, I can say that I have truly seen it all! Although I am fiercely positive about our profession, we have a lot of work to do. As a current nurse career coach, I speak to nursing students and nurses looking for career guidance on a daily basis. Many nurses are seeking to escape toxic workplaces and are looking to ways to steer clear of negative environments.

One resource that I highly recommend is reading about the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ (AACN’s) six essential standards that provide a guideline to cultivate a healthy work environment.

If you are a new nurse or an experienced nurse looking for a new position, here are 5 ways that you can learn to identify a healthy workplace.

1. Staffing and workload
Check if the organizations maintain appropriate staff-to-patient ratios. Overcrowded units can lead to burnout and compromise patient safety. Look for facilities that prioritize manageable workloads for nurses, allowing them to provide quality care without feeling overwhelmed.

If you are looking for an education or leadership role, take a closer look at the overall team and leadership team. Ask specific questions about the job description if you need clarity. If the job description is vague or unclear, this may be a red flag.

As a nurse career coach, I empower nurses to confidently land their dream positions. I also assist nurses with career guidance and how to ask better questions to their potential employer. Paying attention to the interview experience is crucial. The interview “vibe” is really telling. Observe how they treat you during the whole process and how they interact with each other. If the environment is very rigid and filled with tension, then that may be foreshadowing for the work environment. You should have a pleasant interview experience where you feel comfortable and welcomed.

2. Supportive leadership
Seek out workplaces with supportive and empathetic leadership. Good leaders value their staff, listen to their concerns, and actively work to address any issues that arise. Strong leadership fosters a positive work culture and encourages open communication, collaboration, and professional development opportunities.

Leaders should value time off and self-care. Research shows that when nurses are happy, they provide better care to their patients. Genuinely caring about the people is a healthy way to build a productive team. One great question to ask the leader during an interview, is ”What is your leadership style and how do you handle difficult situations?”

3. Education, training, and resources
Assess whether the facility provides adequate resources, equipment, and ongoing training for nurses. Access to necessary tools and training ensures that nurses can perform their duties effectively and stay up to date with advancements in healthcare practices. Facilities that invest in their staff's development demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of care. Be sure to ask about educational opportunities and reimbursement. Ask questions about the onboarding process—the length, the hours, and who you will be reporting to.

4. Employee wellness programs and benefits
Look for workplaces that prioritize employee well-being by offering wellness programs and resources. These programs may include stress management workshops, mental health support services, fitness initiatives, and access to counseling or peer support groups. A focus on staff wellness promotes a healthier work-life balance and reduces the risk of burnout. Ask when the benefits begin (i.e., on your first day or if you must wait a specific period).

5. Workplace culture and collaboration
Evaluate the workplace culture to ensure it promotes collaboration, respect, and teamwork among nurses and other healthcare professionals. A positive and inclusive culture encourages mutual support, effective communication, and a sense of belonging. Seek environments where nurses feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to decision-making processes. Speak to other nurses who work there currently and see how their experience has been. You can ask for a tour of the workplace to get a better sense of what to expect before you accept the job offer.