Читать книгу Toxic Nursing, 2nd Ed - Cheryl Dellasega - Страница 30

I think that the nurse manager really needs to step in here. This is a learning opportunity for Coretta. Coretta may need to time things differently and wait until she is there longer. She could be guided to build a relationship and earn respect before she suggests that they could do things better.

It’s not clear why Coretta would expect things to be any different. She needs to respect the fact that the unit has their own way of doing things that have been in place for a long time. They may even have ways that are more effective. Just because something is in the literature doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s practical and works with real patients or for a particular unit. I tell my students, “Your patient didn’t read the literature.”

I would probably take a step back and say something to the older nurses to prevent a divide, too. Coretta is making suggestions in an effort to help, not to suggest she knows more than the other nurses. Her motives are genuine. All of us in our enthusiasm have probably done this very thing. Everyone goes into a new job with great ideas.

–Kathy Curci

Behaviors such as hostility and undermining are considered forms of bullying. To effectively deal with bullying in the workplace, it is important to set aside emotions and place emphasis on the facts. The most important person that can stop this bullying is Coretta. Coretta should keep a record of the times when Helen or other colleagues make an inappropriate comment or exhibit an inappropriate behavior. It is important to document the time, place, person, and actual occurrence, being cognizant of only writing the facts. Eye rolling, fist slamming, or other inappropriate nonverbal behavior should also be documented.

Some bullies feel threatened or are intimidated themselves, so Coretta should assess her own comfort level before approaching the bully (or bullies). One major mistake some nurses make when confronted by bullies is to try to reason with them and attempt to convince them that they’re wrong. It is important not to be nice but rather remain professional and firm when speaking to bullies. Being nice may confirm to them that they’re in a superior position.

If Coretta chooses to approach Helen or the other bullies, she should state the facts in a mutually agreed upon place. Sometimes, when bullies are presented with data rather than drama (crying, yelling, etc.), they may actually recognize the inappropriateness of their behavior—especially if there is documentation and quotes. If Coretta feels her dialogue with Helen didn’t go well or if she is uncomfortable speaking directly with Helen, Coretta should report her findings to her nurse manager and even the human resources department. Informing management (in writing) and documenting all occurrences and any previous attempt to resolve the issue at the lowest level is vital.

The term “hostile work environment” is a legal term in the workplace. When formally documenting, use words such as “bullying,” “hostile work environment,” and “intimidation.” Coretta should continue to seek support from others to release some of her stress as a result of the bullying.

–Cheri Clancy