Battling Workplace Bullying Among Nurses: Addressing the Issue Between Two Registered Nurses (RNs)

No workplace is free from its inherent challenges and conflicts, and nursing is no exception. In fact, recent studies highlight that nurses often bear the brunt of verbal abuse and bullying in their profession. According to Peg Streep's book, “Verbal Abuse,” nursing stands out as one of the most affected professions for verbal abuse. This article aims to shed light on why workplace bullying is unacceptable and provide actionable steps to address this issue among nurses, particularly when it occurs between two registered nurses (RNs).

Why Is Workplace Bullying Unacceptable?

Workplace bullying is a pervasive issue that can significantly impact the well-being of employees, including nurses. In a professional setting, such as a healthcare environment, bullying creates a toxic atmosphere that can result in reduced productivity, increased stress, and even the departure of valuable staff. Registered nurses, like any other professionals, have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment. Verbal abuse, harassment, and bullying can severely compromise the quality of care provided and affect patient outcomes negatively.

The eBook: Insights into Verbal Abuse

If you're interested in learning more about the nature of verbal abuse and its impact on the nursing profession, Peg Streep's book “Verbal Abuse” is an essential read. This book provides a deep dive into what verbal abuse looks like, the underlying causes, and practical strategies for dealing with this issue.

Steps to Address Workplace Bullying Among Nurses

Documentation and Reporting

One of the critical steps to address bullying in the workplace is formal documentation. This documentation serves multiple purposes: It creates a paper trail that can support any formal complaints or legal actions. Moreover, it helps in quantifying the frequency and severity of the bullying, enabling HR or management to take decisive action. Nurses and other staff members who experience bullying should document incidents in detail, including dates, times, witnesses, and descriptions of the bullying behaviors.

Standing up for Oneself

Colleagues can take various actions to stand up for themselves in the face of bullying. This can include speaking to the bully directly, if the situation is safe and feasible. However, it's crucial to approach such conversations calmly and clearly, with a focus on defusing tension and finding a resolution. Alternatively, seeking support from a co-worker, mentor, or member of management can provide a different perspective and additional leverage to address the issue.

Management's Involvement

Supervisor involvement is vital in dealing with workplace bullying effectively. If bullying persists despite initial efforts by the bullied individual or their colleagues, it's essential to bring the matter to the attention of management or the human resources department. Supervisors need to schedule a meeting with the bully to discuss their behavior and make it clear that the conduct is unacceptable. They can provide the bully with resources on healthy communication and conflict resolution, setting clear expectations for future behavior.

Providing Support and Resources

Organizations should also focus on providing support to both the victim and the bully. For the victim, this might include counseling services, stress management workshops, and access to confidential hotlines. For the bully, interventions can encompass anger management training, communication workshops, and other professional development opportunities. A supportive approach can help both parties grow and improve their interactions in the workplace.

Conclusion

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that demands prompt and appropriate action. Whether it occurs between two registered nurses or involves other members of the healthcare team, addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. By documenting incidents, standing up for oneself, involving management, and providing support, organizations can create a more respectful and conducive work environment for all their nursing staff. As Peg Streep’s work underscores, taking action against bullying is not just about protecting individual nurses but also ensuring the best possible care for patients.

For further reading on this topic, you can explore Peg Streep’s book “Verbal Abuse,” which offers valuable insights into understanding and addressing workplace bullying in the nursing profession.