Ethics and Professional Misconduct
Lateral Violence in the Perioperative Setting
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LORRAINE BIGONY, RN, BSN, CNOR, ONC; TAMMY G. LIPKE, RN, BSN; ASHLEY LUNDBERG, RN, BSN; CARRIE A. MCGRAW, RN, BSN; GRETCHEN L. PAGAC, RN, BSN, CNOR; ANNE ROGERS, LCDR, RN, BSN, CLNC
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ateral violence, also known as nurse-to-nurse violence or bullying, is disruptive behavior that interferes with effective health care communication and thus threatens a culture of patient safety. Lateral violence is counterproductive to quality health care and has a negative effect on the health and well-being of health care professionals as well. Bullying has been defined as an offensive, abusive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behavior or abuse of power conducted by an individual or group against others, which makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated, or vulnerable [and] which undermines their self-confidence and may cause them to suffer stress.1(p10) Likewise, lateral violence in nursing
ABSTRACT
Lateral violence is disruptive, bullying, intimidating, or unsettling behavior that occurs between nurses in the workplace. The perioperative setting fosters lateral violence because of the inherent stress of performing surgery; high patient acuity; a shortage of experienced personnel; work demands; and the restriction and isolation of the OR, which allows negative behaviors to be concealed more easily. Lateral violence affects nurses’ health and well-being and their ability to care for patients. Interventions to reduce lateral violence include empowerment of staff members and zero tolerance for lateral violence. Key words: lateral violence, nurse-to-nurse violence, workplace abuse, bullying, verbal abuse. AORN J 89 (April 2009) 688-696. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
includes physical, verbal, and emotional abuse by one nurse against another. Lateral violence can be manifested in verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Examples of common lateral violence behaviors include: • nonverbal innuendo (eg, behavior that may
1.8
LORRAINE BIGONY, RN, BSN, CNOR, ONC; TAMMY G. LIPKE, RN, BSN; ASHLEY LUNDBERG, RN, BSN; CARRIE A. MCGRAW, RN, BSN; GRETCHEN L. PAGAC, RN, BSN, CNOR; ANNE ROGERS, LCDR, RN, BSN, CLNC
L
ateral violence, also known as nurse-to-nurse violence or bullying, is disruptive behavior that interferes with effective health care communication and thus threatens a culture of patient safety. Lateral violence is counterproductive to quality health care and has a negative effect on the health and well-being of health care professionals as well. Bullying has been defined as an offensive, abusive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behavior or abuse of power conducted by an individual or group against others, which makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated, or vulnerable [and] which undermines their self-confidence and may cause them to suffer stress.1(p10) Likewise, lateral violence in nursing
ABSTRACT
Lateral violence is disruptive, bullying, intimidating, or unsettling behavior that occurs between nurses in the workplace. The perioperative setting fosters lateral violence because of the inherent stress of performing surgery; high patient acuity; a shortage of experienced personnel; work demands; and the restriction and isolation of the OR, which allows negative behaviors to be concealed more easily. Lateral violence affects nurses’ health and well-being and their ability to care for patients. Interventions to reduce lateral violence include empowerment of staff members and zero tolerance for lateral violence. Key words: lateral violence, nurse-to-nurse violence, workplace abuse, bullying, verbal abuse. AORN J 89 (April 2009) 688-696. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
includes physical, verbal, and emotional abuse by one nurse against another. Lateral violence can be manifested in verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Examples of common lateral violence behaviors include: • nonverbal innuendo (eg, behavior that may
References: © AORN, Inc, 2009 4. Fee: Members $9 Nonmembers $18 Program offered April 2009 The deadline for this program is April 30, 2012 © AORN, Inc, 2009 A score of 70% correct on the examination is required for credit