Crushing each other with gossip in nursing academia: Sophisticated communication or a symptom of dysfunction?

Abstract

This paper will explore the faculty role within the Canadian higher education workplace related to the phenomenon of gossip and reflect on ways to stop this unhealthy social communication tradition. Failure to address gossip, a form of bullying, in academia contributes to irreversible damage to a person’s career and character. Sadly, faculty in nursing and the nursing profession are champions of this unprofessional behaviour. Navigating through a workplace environment tainted with gossip is a skill faculty must work on to prevent unfortunate consequences. The impacts of gossip must be recognized and handled responsibly. It is never too late to reflect on our communication practices and the potential impact on our workplace environment, including role modelling the nursing culture on learners.