Concerns about practice: supporting staff by fostering a climate of psychological safety

The nursing profession is under growing pressure and many nursing staff find it increasingly challenging to maintain standards and provide safe, effective and efficient care that meets the needs of patients. Nurses’ job satisfaction is predicated on feeling supported, including when there are concerns about practice – whether their own or that of their colleagues. This article discusses how nurse managers can support staff to challenge suboptimal practice, admit their own errors and learn from these by fostering a climate of psychological safety. This includes adopting a relational model of leadership; cultivating open communication; providing clarity on roles and expectations; ensuring transparency and fairness in performance management; having supportive ‘tough conversations’ with staff; demonstrating objectivity when investigating concerns; and promoting a ‘just culture’.