Lateral Violence/Bullying
Toxic workplace, lateral violence, horizontal violence, bullying are all terms used to describe an unpleasant workplace. As discussed earlier, there are many factors that contribute to this culture. As nurses, we have often witnessed or experienced these events identified as unkind, discourteous and antagonistic interactions (Alspach, 2007). There is significant costs related to these behaviours. There are the direct costs of staff turn over and subsequent rehiring and the more hidden costs of dissatisfaction, distrust, disengagement, increased absenteeism both actual and "absent while on the job" and more importantly increased potential for patient errors and compromised patient care (Stanley, 2010).
Why is a group that is considered the kindest, caring profession so mean to each other? There have been many suggestions but the most common explanation given is oppressed group behaviour (Alspach, 2007; Stanley, 2010). According to Stanley (2010) this behaviour stems from gender issues, generational differences, enabling behaviours, complacency and fear of retaliation with these leading to “unhealthy work environment, increased turnover, and an increase in medical errors” (Reinholz & Cash, 2009 para, 4). The oppressed group (nurses) feel powerless and devalued when compared to the more central culture of the medical practitioners (Sheridan-Leos, 2008). Interestingly, Sheridan-Leos (2008) suggest these violent behaviours are not often an attack at the individual but a repoonse to a practice environment they see as emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically toxic" (p. 400).
Why is a group that is considered the kindest, caring profession so mean to each other? There have been many suggestions but the most common explanation given is oppressed group behaviour (Alspach, 2007; Stanley, 2010). According to Stanley (2010) this behaviour stems from gender issues, generational differences, enabling behaviours, complacency and fear of retaliation with these leading to “unhealthy work environment, increased turnover, and an increase in medical errors” (Reinholz & Cash, 2009 para, 4). The oppressed group (nurses) feel powerless and devalued when compared to the more central culture of the medical practitioners (Sheridan-Leos, 2008). Interestingly, Sheridan-Leos (2008) suggest these violent behaviours are not often an attack at the individual but a repoonse to a practice environment they see as emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically toxic" (p. 400).
Some Statistics...
According to Stanley (2010):
65% of nurses polled have observed Lateral Violence among coworkers.
46% find this either very serious or somewhat serious
28% of bullies were rewarded or promoted
60% of new grads leave a position because of lateral violence
With a further 20% leaving the profession related to LV
65% of nurses polled have observed Lateral Violence among coworkers.
46% find this either very serious or somewhat serious
28% of bullies were rewarded or promoted
60% of new grads leave a position because of lateral violence
With a further 20% leaving the profession related to LV
