Promoting a Healthy Work Environment Objectives
Chapter 13 - Promoting a Healthy Work Environment
45) RW.LO # 1 - Identify instances of incivility, bullying, discrimination, and sexual
harassment in the workplace.
Incivility and Horizontal Violence
Horizontal violence (also called lateral violence or workplace bullying) includes:
Verbal abuse
Belittling comments
Intimidation and sabotage
Public reprimands
Gossip
These behaviors create toxic work environments, disrupt teamwork, and jeopardize
patient safety. The Joint Commission considers horizontal violence a sentinel event.
Bullying
Up to 40% of nurses report experiencing bullying.
Targets often include students and new graduates, with behaviors such as:
Excessive criticism
Ignoring or undermining
Exclusion from communication
Expecting others to perform extra duties
Discrimination
Defined as unjust treatment based on characteristics such as:
Race
Gender
Sexual orientation
Age
Religion
Discrimination contributes to health disparities and violates nursing's Code of Ethics.
Federal laws (e.g., Civil Rights Act, EEOC enforcement) prohibit discriminatory
employment practices.
Sexual Harassment
Includes unwelcome sexual advances, jokes, innuendos, or physical contact.
Two main forms:
Quid pro quo: Employment benefit offered in exchange for sexual favors.
Hostile Work Environment (HWE): Persistent sexual behavior that creates
discomfort.
Nurses (both men and women) are frequent targets, with up to 60% of female nurses and
34% of male nurses reporting incidents.
The ANA and EEOC stress a zero-tolerance policy.
46) RW.LO #2- Identify signs and symptoms of stress and burnout.
Stress Signs (Physical, Emotional, Behavioral):
Fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches
Irritability, anxiety, depression
Withdrawing from coworkers
