Promoting a Bully-Free Workplace
February 26th is Anti-Bullying Day, an opportunity for BCNU members to join other British Columbians in raising awareness and opposing bullying at workplaces and schools.
Anti-Bullying Day, also known as "Pink Shirt" Day in BC, was inspired by the actions of Nova Scotia students who organized a protest in support a student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt (read more at Pink Shirt Day - http://www.pinkshirtday.ca.)
Workplace bullying is any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a worker that the person knew or ought to have known would cause that worker to be intimidated or humiliated.
Bullying is common in healthcare.
- It is estimated that up to 40% of Canadians have experienced workplace bullying1
- Studies show that 21% to 46% of nurses have experienced or witnessed bullying2
- Workplace bullying is associated with nurses leaving their job, or the nursing profession3,4
Exposure to workplace bullying can negatively affect the health of workers and their family, team communication, job satisfaction, motivation, morale and patient outcomes.
Here's how you can make a difference in your work place:
- Be aware of your employer's policy and follow it.
- Model respectful, professional behaviour.
- If you witness bullying, report it to your supervisor and contact a BCNU steward.
- Learn more about bullying and a respectful workplace:
- Bullying in the Workplace - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety -http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/bullying.html
- Bartholomew, Kathleen, RN, MN. "Ending Nurse-to-Nurse Hostility: Why Nurses Eat Their Young and Each Other" (HCPro, 2006). Visit kathleenbartholomew.com to find her books.
References:
- CBC News - http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/anti-bullying-rules-to-take-effect-in-b-c-workplaces-1.2288174
- Stokowski L., "A Matter of Respect and Dignity: Bullying in the Nursing Profession". Medscape Nurses, September 2010.
- Johnson S., Rea R., "Workplace Bullying: Concerns for Nurse Leaders". Journal of Nursing Administration, 2009; 39(2):84-90.
- Griffen M., Teaching Cognitive Rehearsal as a Shield for Lateral Violence: An Intervention for Newly Licensed Nurses. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 2004;35 (6):257-63.