Aim: This study explored workplace interactions of Australian nurses in regional acute care hospitals through an examination of nurses' experiences and perceptions of workplace behaviour. Design: This research is informed by Social Worlds Theory and is the qualitative component of an overarching mixed methods sequential explanatory study. Methods: Between January and March 2019, data were collected from 13 nursing informants from different occupational levels and roles, who engaged in semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was guided by Straussian grounded theory to identify the core category and subcategories. Results: Theoretical saturation occurred after 13 interviews. The core category identified is A conflicted tribe under pressure, which is comprised of five interrelated subcategories: Belonging to the tribe; ‘It's a living hell’; Zero tolerance ‘it's a joke’; Conflicted priorities; Shifting the cultural norm. Conclusion: This stu