It is flu season. Turn on any news station and you will hear statistics about how this year's flu has spread faster than anything. But, there is one thing I can think of that spreads faster than flu and does not have a limited "season" - that's right Gossip!
Gossip is a pathogen, infecting workplace morale, productivity and the mental and physical health of those around it. Gossip happens at the nurse's station, in patient rooms, in the elevator and even through text or email.
One study found that gossip is expected to occur in stressful work environments where people work closely as a team. Nursing certainly fits this criteria.
What is Gossip?
Dictionary.com defines gossip as idle talk or rumors about the personal affairs of others.
According to Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, CMSRN, gossip can be an attack on another person's character or personal attributes. It betrays trust, damages relationships and breaks confidence. In some situations, it can even be considered a form of bullying.
Gossip comes in many forms. Here are the most common ways it shows up in nursing departments:
Rumors - repeating information that is not entirely true
Judgements - forming an opinion about an issue or person without adequate information
Tattletales - telling on someone or revealing information about another person's actions
Betraying Confidentiality - sharing information you were told in confidence by another person without their permission
The Controversy
Let's be clear about one thing: gossip can be good. It can relieve emotionally charged situations. It can spread information more quickly than a flyer on the back of the bathroom stall and it can decrease stress and create bonds.
The negative effects are certainly stronger and greater in number than any positive effects. Gossip must be regulated and at times, resisted.
Why Do We Gossip?
Gossip can be fun. It may make you feel like you belong to the "in" crowd. It builds social bonds between yourself and the other gossipers. And, you can even use it as a way to feel better about yourself. Negative talk about others, makes us feel superior.
Tips for Staying Out of the Dirt
Redirect the Conversation - If you are given information that is a rumor or gossip, simply redirect the person who is sharing this information with you. Try to gently change the subject by asking a question that is far from the gossip or share something else that can easily grab their attention.
Reflect on the Feelings or the Sharer - Instead of engaging about how Susie left a mess in Room 4 for Greg to clean up, reflect on Greg's feelings. Use a statement such, "Greg, it sounds like your shift started out rough. What can I do to help?"
This removes Susie and her actions from the conversation and allows you to let Greg know you hear him and are there to help him with this difficult situation. Gossiping about Susie will not get Room 4 cleaned up, but your help and willingness to listen to Greg will.
Remove Yourself From the Conversation - If reflection and redirection do not work, it may be time to simply walk away. By removing yourself from the conversation, you are making a clear statement that you do not want to be part of the gossip.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Don't Repeat - If you hear gossip. Simply tuck it away and leave it where it should be, in the past. If you would not be comfortable saying it to the person's face, don't repeat it behind their back. No matter how juicy it may be.
Set High Professional Standards - We can each set high professional standards for ourselves. Standards that gossip simply does not fit into.
If you are a nurse manager or leader, set high professional standards for your staff. Model the behaviors you want to see in your nursing department. Don't tolerate gossip. Confront those who are habitual gossipers and set clear expectations. Hold everyone accountable for keeping gossip to a minimum.
Most nurses chose this profession with helping others in mind. Yet, our treatment of colleagues may not always be helpful. Use these tips to stay out of the dirt on your nursing unit.
Have you ever been the subject of nurse gossip? Did you confront those talking about you? Have you ever stopped gossipers in their tracks? Share your stories with us.
