BACKGROUND:
Workplace culture significantly influences healthcare professionals’ well-being and the quality of patient care. Toxic behaviors’ such as gaslighting and bootlicking undermine team cohesion and morale, yet little is documented from the perspective of experienced nurses and midwives who actively resist such practices. Over the course of my 20 years in nursing and 16 years as a midwife, I have come to deeply value the importance of a supportive, respectful, and healthy workplace culture. From the earliest days of my career, I recognized that the quality of care we provide to patients is inseparable from the quality of the environment in which healthcare professionals work. This conviction has guided my actions and interactions, shaping my professional identity and leadership style.

OBJECTIVES:
This autoethnographic study aims to explore the author’s 20 years of nursing and 16 years of midwifery experience to understand how championing a supportive, non-toxic work environment impacts professional practice and healthcare delivery.

METHODS:
Using an autoethnographic approach, the author reflects on personal and professional experiences, emphasizing ethical conduct and leadership in fostering psychological safety, transparent communication, and mutual respect within clinical teams.

RESULTS:
Findings reveal that consciously rejecting toxic behaviors and promoting a culture of openness and support enhances staff morale, reduces burnout, and improves collaborative practice. Leadership and mentorship emerged as critical factors in sustaining a healthy work environment and empowering healthcare professionals, particularly in resource-limited and community settings.

CONCLUSIONS:
Championing a supportive, non-toxic workplace is essential for the well-being of nurses and midwives and the delivery of quality care. This reflection highlights the importance of ethical leadership and cultural change in healthcare environments, offering valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers committed to fostering positive work cultures.

KEY MESSAGE:
Nursing and Midwifery Workplace Culture Supportive Work Environment Non-Toxic Workplace Ethical Leadership Psychological Safety Staff Well-being in Healthcare Teamwork Workplace Bullying Prevention Clinical Practice Poster session 4 (Group B)