Nursing Ethical Dilemma

During my employment as a LPN in a rural hospital I have witnessed several episodes related to the ethical dilemma of workplace bullying. This behavior is unacceptable based upon the professional standards of nursing. The objective of this paper will be to focus on the controversial topic of how to deal with a workplace bully. The purpose is to highlight accountability of all involved personnel: bully, victim and management.

Summary

Workplace bullying is an issue at my current place of employment. It pertains specifically to my experiences and observations of a staff member who feels the need to demoralize and abuse her co-workers and patients. Her harsh mannerisms, including aggressiveness and manipulation had a negative impact on many staff

According to Blackstock, Harlos, and Hardy (2015) “Workplace bullying refers to repeated behaviors by organizational members that are offensive, often escalating in intensity with a perceived intent to harm” (p.1107). When nursing at any professional level you take an oath of doing no harm and agreeing to act accordingly to the facilities mission statement. According to the code of Ethics for Registered Nurses(2008), under the section Promoting Justice, this idea is clearly outlined in the statement “Nurses refrain from judging, labelling, demeaning, stigmatizing and humiliating behaviors toward persons receiving care, other health-care professionals and each other”(p.17). Another point reinforcing this is written under the heading of Being Accountable states “Nurses are honest and practice with integrity in all of their professional interactions”(p. 18). It is important that all nurses take their professional accountability seriously and follow the Code of Ethics. The nursing staff who witness the actions of the bully and do not report this are also failing in their own accountability towards peers and patients. Staff have a professional obligation to maintain a safe work environment for themselves, their co-workers and especially their patients. Reporting a co-worker or nurse can be stressful and overwhelming, increasing vulnerability to the bully’s further attention and becoming a target of their behavior. Research has determined that bullying impairs the victims’ physical and psychological well-being (Katrinli, Atabay, Gunay, & Cangarli 2010). The damage caused by bullying goes further than skin deep for it can have pervasive and ongoing impacts on staff relationships and patient trust in the safety of the medical system to ensure high quality compassionate