Abstract
This issue of Workplace Health & Safety contains a Continuing Nursing Education Module on “Recognizing, Confronting, and Eliminating Workplace Bullying” 1.0 contact hour of continuing nursing education credit will be awarded by AAOHN upon successful completion of the posttest and evaluation.
A certificate will be awarded when the following requirements are met by the participant: (1) Participant logs on to the AAOHN LMS website at www.aaohn.org/education/online-learning-center and enrolls in the course ($10 members; $15 non-members); (2) The completed posttest and course evaluation are entered online at at http://www.aaohn.org by July 2018; (3) A score of 75% (6 correct answers) is achieved by the participant.
Upon completion of this lesson, the occupational health nurse will be able to:
Define WPB and identify interventions employers can take to eliminate WPB.
American Association Of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurse Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. is additionally approved as a CNE provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing (#CEP9283).
Contact hours received for successful completion of the posttest and evaluation may be used for relicensure, certification, and re-certification.
Define WPB Differentiate between incivility
and WPB Recommend actions to prevent WPB behaviors Provide direction for progressive discipline for perpetrators of WPB
The target’s perception determines whether WPB occurred. The perpetrator’s intention determines whether WPB occurred. A neutral third person (not target or perpetrator) can best determine whether WPB occurred. WPB is synonymous with uncivil work environment.
Can be a single behavioral event Must occur repeatedly, at least once weekly Must last a minimum of 18 months Typically lasts one to two months
Is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t last too long Is considered WPB Has actually been shown to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes Can only be considered WPB if the entire unit team participates against the new nurse
Believe they are powerless Feel unable to defend against the bully’s actions Reported that power imbalances align with overall societal beliefs about the powerful All of the above
Understanding how nursing culture plays a role in the continuation of WPB is a crucial first step to changing that culture. WPB negatively affects nurse retention and leads to presenteeism. In some organizations, WPB is so entrenched in the organization that change is really not possible. WPB can occur between units and floors, affecting participation and productivity.
Focusing on workforce health and productivity Using injury and illness data to determine at-risk units within the healthcare organization Estimating the cost of attrition and benefits usage All of the above
Conduct a complete organizational overhaul to ensure removal of leaders who have perpetuated a culture of incivility. Leaders much clarify that WPB is unacceptable and will be confronted and documented. Encourage nurse empowerment through shared governance. Provide skill-based education on building collaborative relationships and confronting uncivil behavior