Nurse Bullying: What it is and How to Avoid it in the Workplace
The issue of bullying in nursing has been a significant concern within the community for many years. The term "nurses eat their young" was first introduced in a 1986 publication, highlighting the frequent hostility that new nurses face from seasoned staff. Sadly, this situation has not improved over time. Addressing bullying in nursing is crucial not just for the nurses themselves but also for the quality of patient care. This article delves into the problem of nurse bullying and strategies to combat it in healthcare settings.
"Severe hazing and bullying can be so destructive that it affects patient care, and in rare instances, has resulted in fatalities."
How Common is Nurse Bullying in the Workplace?
Surprisingly, 44% of nurses have reported experiencing bullying at work. The director of the Workplace Bullying Institute at Company Y mentions that they receive more complaints from nurses than any other profession, with 36% of calls coming from nurses and 25% from educators. A study by The Joint Commission found that 63% of cases involving unexpected deaths or permanent disability were linked to communication failures among hospital staff, many of which are likely tied to nurse bullying.
What Forms Does Nurse Bullying Take?
Common types of nurse bullying include:
- Name-calling - Favoritism - Intimidation - Cyberbullying - Peer aggression - Withholding vital information - Gossiping
Consider this narrative illustrating the effects of nurse bullying: A 27-year-old nurse in an intensive care unit quickly became recognized for her excellent care. The hospital had a system where nurses received stars on a bulletin board for patient praise. Her board filled up rapidly, drawing resentment from her peers, a group of 14 mostly older nurses. They would often stop speaking when she entered the room and even targeted two of her friends on another floor, reducing them to tears. Most troubling was their refusal to assist her with complex patient cases. Four months in, she faced a crisis when a patient's health rapidly declined, and despite pressing the emergency button, no one came. She had to independently manage the situation, discovering the patient had low blood sugar, risking a deadly coma. Fortunately, she administered dextrose in time, and the patient recovered. She reflects, "It was heartbreaking to see that colleagues who are supposed to care would let personal grievances endanger a life."
Addressing Nurse Bullying
Every nurse should feel safe and valued at work. While it can be difficult to identify bullying, recognizing and addressing it is vital. Effectively managing nurse bullying is crucial to creating a safe environment for nurses and ensuring patients receive optimal care.
To reduce and eventually eliminate nurse bullying, nurses and department leaders should follow these five guidelines:
- Demonstrate positive behavior: Leading by example is key. A leader at Company Y states, "To combat bad behavior, one must define good behavior and set expectations for respectful interactions based on core values." - Record all instances of bullying: Policies should require nurses to document bullying, maintaining records of texts, emails, or letters related to incidents and the individuals involved. With proper records, these issues can be tackled more effectively. - Streamline the reporting process: Nurses should feel at ease reporting bullying and discussing it with their supervisors. - Distinguish between criticism and bullying: Not all reports are genuine bullying; sometimes feedback is misinterpreted. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate complaint handling. - Support victims of bullying: "Offering support shows that such behavior is intolerable and strengthens team unity against abuse."
