Workplace Bullying in Healthcare: Part 1

Bullying is a repetitive and a busive behavior in which the victim suffers from abuse, humiliation, or intimidation to such an extent that it interferes with job performance. Victims of bullying have three possible legal solutions: harassment, hostile work environment, and intentional/negligent infliction of emotional distress. However, the elements necessary to fulfill the legal definitions are subjective and difficult at best to satisfy. Hospitals are hesitant to terminate any employee, which would result in open staff positions that are difficult to fill. Replacing staff with specific skills, costly. This make recruitmen cost a significant factor in retaining staff members who demonstrate poor behavior. Part 1 will focus on terminology and concerns related to bullying. Part 2 will discuss the legal protection afforded the bully and possible organizational solutions. Part 3 will address managers who have been accused of bullying by disgruntled employees and what to do about it.