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Strengthening communication to overcome lateral violence
Diane J Ceravolo1, Diane G Schwartz, Kelly M Foltz-Ramos
1Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA. dceravolo@kaleidahealth.org
Journal of Nursing Management
|July 25, 2012
Summary
Workshops reduced nurse-to-nurse lateral violence and improved workplace culture. This led to decreased verbal abuse, increased feelings of safety, and lower nursing turnover and vacancy rates.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Workplace Culture
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Lateral violence is prevalent in nursing, causing significant harm.
- Negative impacts include physical, psychological, and organizational consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decrease nurse-to-nurse lateral violence.
- To foster a more respectful workplace culture.
- To evaluate the impact of educational workshops.
Main Methods:
- Organization-wide pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted.
- Registered nurses' perceptions of lateral violence and turnover were assessed.
- A series of workshops were implemented.
Main Results:
- Incidence of reported verbal abuse decreased from 90% to 76%.
- Nurses reported a more respectful and safe environment for expressing opinions.
- Feelings of empowerment increased, while powerlessness decreased post-intervention.
- Nursing turnover and vacancy rates declined.
Conclusions:
- Educational workshops effectively raised awareness of lateral violence.
- Improved assertive communication skills contributed to a better work environment.
- The intervention led to reduced lateral violence, turnover, and vacancy rates.
- Nursing leadership can implement similar strategies to promote healthy workplace cultures.
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