According to Harvard Business School professor and workplace culture thought leader Amy Edmondson, PhD, psychological safety is critical for a healthy workplace. As she writes, psychological safety is “a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes — and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.”
In a health care setting, a psychologically safe space is one where every person, from frontline
worker to leader, feels valued, respected, and heard. This type of environment is essential because it directly impacts patient care, staff well-being, and overall organizational performance. A workplace where every team member has a voice builds trust, fosters collaboration, and ensures that issues are addressed before they escalate.
As a nurse — whether you're an experienced professional, a new graduate, or a nurse educator — you play a crucial role in creating a psychologically safe environment. Over the next 10 days, this challenge will guide you through small but impactful steps to build trust, empathy, and open communication in your workplace. Each day's tip is designed to be practical and relevant to your role, making it easy to implement within your busy schedule.
Ready to cultivate a safe and open workplace? Get started here.
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How are you doing in the challenge?
I will encourage open communication between my patients, the healthcare team, and my peers. I will improve my care by keeping respect and care for all.
I will incorporate empathetic listening. encouraging opening dialogue among all of my coworkers.
So far, this challenge has inspired me to reflect on my workplace culture and find small, ways to improve collaboration and support. Whether it's through open dialogue during patient handoffs or showing kindness in daily interactions, I believe that these steps can make a real difference for team well-being and patient care.
I have always look forward to working in an environment where an Employees can speak up without fear of embarrassment, rejection, or punishment. This helps one to speak their mind for a better improvement at work. My goal this challenge is to continue to have a clear conversation with my colleagues with no fear.
I attended several professional development webinars that addresses the topic of structural racism. I will use the information to further develop my behavior that focuses on equity and culturally-sensitive provision of nursing through our nursing education program. Patient care experiences are enhanced when [graduate] nurses are well-prepared to address sociocultural determinants of health that acknowledges uniqueness of individual patient/family/caregiver situations.
Encouraging open dialogue among healthcare teams and patients. Clear communication during shift changes and patient handoffs can prevent errors and misunderstandings in patient care.
As a nursing student this challenge really speaks to me. I know how intimidating it can be to speak up when you are first learning, and I have found that a supportive environment is essential in the learning process. Being in an institution that encourages questions being asked and supports and uplifts everyone involved is essential for psychological health. As a person who has a high-stress personality, I am grateful for safe and open workplaces that support and uplift all members of the team!
Thank you for sharing your experience! As a nurse manager, I completely agree that a supportive environment is crucial for learning and growth. On my unit, we prioritize creating a space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. It's wonderful to hear that this kind of environment has made a positive impact on your psychological health. We're committed to uplifting and supporting all team members, and it's great to see how much it means to you. When we are interviewing graduate nurses, I always end telling them that no matter where you go to make sure that the environment and culture of the unit and organization is supportive.
I think being free to express oneself only allows for cohesiveness, collaboration and better Patient outcomes along with a positive work Environment and job satisfaction.
So many times, especially in the medical field where shifts can be fast paced and highly stressful, we tend to "Eat our Young" that is to say; we aren't always so kind to anyone that slows us down or lacks knowledge in our opinion. so, the Topic of Psychological Safety may seem like a given (treat others how you want to be treated, or just be kind, or open minded, or have patience, or maybe your way is Not the best way, don't just hear but listen, foster others and so on...) But the Reminder on a regular Basis may be just what the Doctor ordered- for example Positive Affirmation posters, recognition for acknowledging or fostering others- just anything that might Promote a common sense of Good Will towards others. It's a good reminder that we are all just people here trying to do our best and we all have Things going on in our lives, in our work and supporting one another can make this Journey so much more fulfilling for ALL, the giver and the receiver!
@Dork YORK beautifully said!
hi all- nice to be here- Dora Ft Worth Texas
hi am Daisy Great to join this group