Healthcare professionals are incredibly compassionate with patients — but not always with each other.
Kindness isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s a strategy. It boosts morale, reduces burnout, and builds stronger teams, which means better outcomes for patients and staff alike.
The Be Kind Package helps you hardwire kindness into everyday work life.
What’s Inside:
"The NEFONL chapter was honored to host Dr. Renee Thompson for her presentation on “Cultivating a Healthy Workforce by Addressing Bullying and Incivility: Strategies for Healthcare Leaders.” Her passionate and dynamic delivery and commitment to eliminating bullying in healthcare resonated with our members. We received several notes of appreciation for her interactive and informative session."
“Human behavior is complex and different approaches are needed to address the root causes of negative behavior in the workplace. Renee educates and provides specific tactics to arm leaders with the tools needed to support a healthy work environment but also to support the leader him/herself.”
As a house supervisor, my only resource for dealing with incivility and bullying was Dr. Thompson's book 'Enough! Eradicating Bullying and Incivility in Healthcare.' If I had not read Dr. Thompson’s book, I would not have had any resources to successfully handle a very difficult situation.
This book not only explained the problems that we have been facing but gave our leadership team scripting to use when having difficult conversations. It has also given us talking points that we have used to empower our staff to address the problems head on.
Your resources have already been valuable to me and my team. I stumbled on to your book “Enough” last year and it was the first book I actually highlighted almost every page. I bought copies for my manager and our leadership team. I am hoping we can all start speaking the same encouraging language.
The Healthy Workforce Institute brought to our annual Forum the level of engagement, action, and cross-disciplinary content we were hoping for! With workforce one of the key topics in our Forum and an industry-wide pinch point, having Renee share her expertise provided our health center staff with innovative, actionable, and practical ways to grow and strengthen their teams. In a world full of 'experts', Renee brings the workplace experience and practical know-how that health center teams need to put theory to practice.
Our organization has been working with HWI for the past 3-4 years. The most powerful changes we have encountered have been associated with the hardwiring of individual departments' professional practice agreements. We have been provided so many great tools and resources to continue to improve our environment. Working in healthcare is hard, and our team is grateful for the continued guidance and support.
As a newer formal leader I started this course feeling lost and hopeless in regard to dealing with bullying and incivility. The Eradicating Bullying & Incivility course has been a huge asset in my current practice as a leader
The Healthy Workforce Academy’s presentation of Eradicating Bullying & Incivility provides solutions to the real world problems we face when leading teams of healthcare professionals. Understanding the differences in incivility, a bad day, and true bully behavior; allows us as leaders to better utilize our tools and resources to address issues head on and help keep our teams on the path to excellence.
“She's a good nurse, but.... " We have all said it at some point in our career. Renee quickly shows us how detrimental that statement is to developing a culture of kindness, integrity and respect. Concise doses of wisdom and practical tools to help to eradicate bullying and incivility is just what this course delivers! I highly recommend.
The Eradicating Bullying & Incivility course is a wonderful opportunity whether you are a new or experienced nurse leader. Renee breaks the information, tools and resources down into bite sized morsels that are easily applicable into daily practice
Unfortunately dealing with disruptive behaviors is a part of every workforce. A lot of managers including myself are not equipped to handle difficult conversations. It is easier for me to give Kudos and appreciations for a job well done. I was very comfortable providing counseling for poor attendance or documentation issues; but for nonverbal or disruptive behaviors were definitely a challenge. The straightforward educational material and real life examples have given me the tools as well as the confidence to have the difficult conversation my whole team needs me to have in order to create a Healthy Workplace for each of them. Thank you Renee and Team
I learned so much, and have been implementing everything from the [EBI] course. I used the Jeti mind trick and although it was scary to do, it worked! I felt so satisfied after several difficult conversations and staff are stating that they are seeing changes in the behavior of people I have been working with. This is definitely something that all new managers should be taught right from the beginning.
When I moved to a Nurse Residency Program Coordinator position from a bedside role, I was shocked to hear the experiences of our new graduate nurses with incivility and bullying. Since incorporating the Graduate Nurse Anti-Bullying Curriculum content into our Nurse Residency Program, our new graduate nurses now know how to recognize disruptive behaviors and have felt empowered to speak up about incivility and bullying. The program has definitely benefitted our new graduates, but I think the greater benefit is the awareness of nursing leadership and the discussions happening because of the themes the new graduates are bringing to the table. I see leaders frequently posting HWI resources in bathrooms, locker rooms, and staff lounges to normalize the conversation around incivility and bullying. This program has been an invaluable resource to help us address incivility and bullying not only with our new graduate nurses, but throughout our organization.
As the director of the Nurse Residency Program at Los Angeles General Medical Center, I had the opportunity to incorporate the Healthy Workforce Institute’s Graduate Nurse Anti-Bullying Curriculum (HWI GN-ABC) into our new graduate program. The curriculum helps participants understand the differences between incivility and bullying and provides practical strategies to address both. It also offers clear definitions, realistic case scenarios, and tools for building a healthier work environment. Since implementing the program, our workplace culture has improved, and novice RNs have shared how supported they feel. Based on our experience, the HWI GN-ABC is a valuable resource for fostering a positive, respectful environment for the next generation of nurses
Our organization was indeed fortunate to experience Dr. Mitch Kusy and his rigorous approach to improving organizational culture, while also making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed every single time! Mitch led us on a 9 month journey that started with only three departments but ultimately “infected” the entire hospital with each department anxious to get on the bandwagon for change. It was thrilling to see so many staff become engaged and excited. I attribute Mitch’s rich understanding of human behavior and his broad experience with myriad healthcare organizations as keys to success. We were delighted to work with him and recommend him and his approach to any complex organization in search of improvement.
Dr. Renee Thompson has generated a Healthy Workforce culture that has empowered all staff to recognize and commit to a ‘zero tolerance’ for incivility. Thank you Dr. Thompson for sharing your expertise that led to our organizations’ ability to identify and address issues so that we have a “Healthy Workforce Environment.
The HWI is a much needed resource to the healthcare setting. Experiencing a healthcare environment in which people are tired, experiencing PTSD from pandemic work, turnover rates at an all-time high, new hires with little or no hands on patient care experience, inexperienced leaders, and the tsunami of worker shortages are all adding to the turbulence of the setting. Leaders need the skills to address these tumultuous times. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the HWI while at two different healthcare organizations. The impact of their guidance in equipping leaders to handle the resulting disruptive behaviors has enabled us to move to a more respectful work culture. The work with the HWI should be a requirement of all leaders working in healthcare
Working with the Healthy Workforce Institute has truly transformed our department. The changes we've implemented have profoundly impacted our workplace culture. There's a new level of energy and commitment among the staff, and we've seen significant improvements in morale and productivity. The strategies provided by the Institute have been practical and effective, helping us to address and overcome various challenges. One of the most noticeable changes is the improved communication within the team. We are now more cohesive and supportive of each other, which has made a huge difference in our daily operations. The continuous support and resources from the Institute have been invaluable, allowing us to sustain these positive changes and keep moving forward. Overall, the Healthy Workforce Institute partnership has been a game-changer for us, and we look forward to continuing to grow from here.
Before working with the Healthy Workforce Institute (HWI), we struggled with a toxic work culture, and our engagement and safety scores were at an all-time low. We lacked the tools to give feedback and hold each other accountable. HWI’s certification program transformed how we worked as an interprofessional team, providing the platform to create a healthy work environment. Since then, we’ve seen an 18% increase in engagement scores, better communication, and a more respectful and professional team dynamic. I’m proud to be part of this program and see its positive impact on our department
Since partnering with the Healthy Workforce Institute, we’ve experienced significant positive changes in our department’s culture. Our teams are more engaged than ever, leading to numerous wins and an overall sense of accomplishment. The strategies we’ve implemented have improved our workflow and fostered a more supportive and collaborative environment. The transformation has been remarkable, and we are grateful for the continued guidance and support from the Healthy Workforce Institute
Being a part of the Healthy Workforce Initiative has been invigorating. This program has significantly enhanced workplace harmony and leadership growth. The support and insights provided have been instrumental in improving operational efficiency and outcomes. I am amazed at the positive impact a healthy workforce has on achieving optimal results. Renee and her team are to be commended for this phenomenal program. We’re in our third year, and our first cohort of leaders is already paying it forward. Thank you, Healthy Workforce Team, for being difference makers. We are improving each day!
Before the Healthy Workforce Institute (HWI), our NICU was plagued by toxic relationships, gossip, and a lack of respect. Silence around disruptive behaviors was the norm, making it difficult to address the issues. Bringing in HWI brought a crucial awareness that staying silent equals acceptance. With the tools and scripts provided, we've started having the hard conversations needed to change our culture. Our engagement scores have steadily improved, and while it's still a work in progress, our nurses are beginning to feel more empowered to speak up. This program has made a significant impact, and I’m confident that the hard work we’re putting in now will continue to pay off.
Before working with the Healthy Workforce Institute (HWI), our team was dealing with issues of incivility and struggling to work well together. Many staff members were hesitant to speak up and we knew something had to change. HWI came in at the perfect time. They were like a breath of fresh air, helping our team develop crucial communication skills, find their voices, and build trust. Since completing the certification program, incivility has significantly decreased, and even the quietist team members are now speaking up, knowing their opinions matter. The changes have been monumental, and our team is now working together better than ever.
Before partnering with the Healthy Workforce Institute (HWI), my team faced low morale, burnout, and incivility, resulting in significant turnover. HWI provided us with essential tools for improving communication and addressing incivility proactively. The impact was immediate: our engagement score rose to 92.3%, turnover dropped, and we started attracting top talent. Our department is now recognized as a great place to work. As a leader, I feel empowered, and our patient care outcomes have improved significantly. This program truly works.
Before working with the Healthy Workforce Institute (HWI), our critical care unit was a toxic environment that was overwhelming and challenging. The HWI team provided the tools and courage we needed to address negative behaviors in the moment, which completely transformed our culture. Four years later, the department is unrecognizable—staff are collaborative, engaged, and love their jobs. The program didn’t just change our unit; it changed how we work together, creating a positive, supportive environment. I’m incredibly grateful for the transformation
As the Chief Nursing Officer, I am thrilled with the profound and lasting changes I’ve witnessed since implementing HWF practices. Not only did I observe immediate improvements during my rounds, but the transformation in our unit cultures has been remarkable. Our team members have fully embraced these practices, and the positive impact is clear. We’re now successfully expanding this engagement to two more units in our hospital, with strong participation from our leaders, team members, and providers. The momentum is truly inspiring.
I am thrilled with our NICU’s healthy workforce journey. We are seeing measurable improvements in our RN Engagement survey and the department is outperforming national benchmarks in quality, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership access.
Working with Renee and her team at the HWI was an incredible experience! We contacted the HWI to inquire about Renee joining us at a Nurse Leader Retreat. We wanted a day that focused on our leaders, but one that was not grounded around their day-to-day operations. Renee went above and beyond to ensure that the content fit our vision. She is a dynamic and relatable speaker who kept our leaders engaged for three hours. We are absolutely blessed to have had this opportunity!
Dr. Renee Thompson's workshop, "Cultivating a Healthy Workforce by Addressing Bullying and Incivility," proved to be a transformative experience for our leaders. Her engaging and informative session heightened our awareness of identifying and addressing disruptive behaviors, equipping us with practical tools to establish clear behavioral expectations. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our physicians, nurse leaders, and interprofessional team underscored the impact of Dr. Thompson's expertise and presentation style. We are now motivated to sustain this momentum and are thankful to Dr. Thompson and the Healthy Workforce Institute for their collaboration in fostering improved relationships, communication, empowerment, trust, and a healthier work environment.
Hearing Renee speak at our Nursing Leadership Conference was such a treat! She brings real world experience, subject matter expertise, and a touch of humor to her presentations. I could have listened to her all day!
As healthcare professionals, we have the privilege of touching countless lives each day. Achieving this mission is only possible when our teams are healthy and resilient. Thanks to the Healthy Workforce Institute's Workshop, ‘8 essential skills of a healthy team,’ led by Dr. Renee Thompson, members of the Nursing Leadership Team were empowered to enhance their team culture by implementing the skills of enhanced self-reflection, constructive feedback, assertiveness paired with mutual respect, and the ability to immediately address bullying and incivility in the workplace. The workshop Renee provided was profoundly engaging. We walked away with tactical skills to build a healthy workforce. Her authenticity, expertise, and ability to capture an audience was awe-inspiring. The Healthy Workforce Institute overall was exceptionally easy to work with. They were well-organized, responsive, and collaborative
Renee is an incredibly engaging speaker and always delivers timely, relevant content for our audience of nurse leaders. Our participants find that they can immediately implement Renee’s practical, actionable strategies to foster healthier and more supportive work environments, making a real difference for their nursing teams.
"Fantastic!" "Engaging" "Strategies we can actually use" "Uplifting" "Impactful and relevant to all leadership" "Renee brought our leaders concrete strategies they are already starting to implement"
Renee Thompson’s presentation at the AORN Leadership Summit was truly transformative. She provided practical strategies to tackle bullying and incivility in the perioperative setting, engaging the audience with her insightful and dynamic approach. Her impact was evident as a line of nurse leaders eagerly waited to speak with her after the session.
Renee Thompson delivered an engaging and insightful presentation packed with practical strategies that participants can immediately apply. Her ability to connect with the audience and provide relevant, real-world examples made the session both informative and inspiring. I left with valuable takeaways that will leave a lasting impact.
Renee delivers what healthcare has long needed: practical, powerful solutions to eliminate incivility and bullying. She captivates audiences with humor and heart while providing immediately actionable tools. I’ve brought Renee to three organizations, and every time her session was the highest-rated of the event. She’s not only a gifted speaker and expert, but she’s also an absolute joy to work with.
Having had the opportunity to hear Renee speak several times, I have never been disappointed. Her passion for her work around incivility and bullying is evident in each presentation and very moving. I am truly inspired each time I hear her. Not only is Renee a pleasure to work with but her team at the Healthy Workforce Institute is phenomenal. I encourage you to check out the website, blogs, and videos available, and be sure to invite her to speak at an upcoming event!
I heard Renee Thompson speak about [bullying and incivility] and always walked away feeling like I had a better grasp on how to handle this type of behavior. When I learned about the on- line format to teach our leaders I thought this was a great first step. As a CNO, I also went through the materials to better understand the content. Not only did I learn a lot but also was able to have good discussions with the leaders who participated in the education. I am confident this learning has better equipped the Nurse Leaders to create a better culture on their units and eradicate bullying and incivility
With so many employees struggling with stress, burnout, and trauma these days, it’s more crucial than ever to create cultures of caring inside organizations. Renee Thompson excels in this area. She helps leaders master the skill set to eliminate disruptive behaviors and create workplaces where people pull together, communicate respectfully, and support each other. I’ve known Renee for a long time and find she has a gift for helping organizations create the conditions that encourage people to bring their “best selves” to work every day
Our organization looks to the Healthy Workforce Institute as an expert on education related to healthy work environments and a leader in actionable strategies the workforce can take to make our work environments healthier and safer!
