Bullying in the Nursing Workplace: Applying Evidence Using A Conceptual Framework

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Ethics
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Workplace bullying presents significant risks to nurses, patients, and healthcare organizations.
• Bullying can undermine a nurse's professional identity and competence.
• Abuse of power by superiors is a common form of nursing workplace bullying.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dynamics and consequences of workplace bullying in nursing.
• To develop a conceptual framework for understanding nursing workplace bullying.
• To inform strategies for creating a safer healthcare environment for nurses.

Main Methods:

• This study focuses on defining persistent negative behaviors characteristic of workplace bullying.
• It examines the duration and frequency of bullying incidents.
• The research emphasizes the need for a conceptual framework specific to the nursing context.

Main Results:

• Bullying in nursing leads to adverse health outcomes for individuals and organizations.
• It erodes professional competence and challenges professional identity.
• The study highlights the prevalence of superior-subordinate power abuse in nursing bullying.

Conclusions:

• A conceptual framework is needed to better understand nursing workplace bullying.
• Addressing bullying is essential for improving nurse well-being and patient safety.
• Strategies are required to foster a safer healthcare workplace for nurses.