Developing and Implementing an Educational Program about Toxic Management for Nurse Managers

Abstract

Background: Toxic management is a management style characterized by behaviors and practices that are harmful to employees' well-being and organizational performance. Objective: To develop and implement an educational program about toxic management for nurse managers at Main Assuit University Hospital. Methods: The study included all nurse managers (N = 70) working at Main Assuit University Hospital using a total population sampling technique. A one-group quasi-experimental design was used. Knowledge regarding toxic management was assessed before the program, immediately after its completion, and three months later. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics, a toxic management knowledge scale, and a participant's feedback form. Results: The findings revealed that 61.4% of nurse managers had unsatisfactory knowledge scores regarding toxic management during the pre-test phase, while 92.9% and 90.0% had satisfactory scores during the post-test and follow-up phases, respectively. Highly statistically significant differences were observed between the pre-test and post-test phases, as well as between the pre-test and follow-up phases (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Nurse managers showed improved knowledge regarding toxic management across the post-test and follow-up assessments, particularly in relation to assessment of toxic management at work and strategies for preventing and managing toxic behaviors. Furthermore, participants reported favorable evaluations. Recommendations: Healthcare organizations should integrate toxic management education into on-going professional development and training programs. Further research is recommended to examine the effectiveness and applicability of the program across different cultural and organizational contexts.