Workplace Bullying in Healthcare: Part 2.

Abstract

Bullying can occur in any work environment; however, it is especially prominent in healthcare. Although accrediting and professional organizations recognize the danger (to patients and staff) and have implemented standards and guidelines to curtail the behavior, organizations have been slow to adapt. Organizations that are beginning to address the problem encounter opposition, legal challenges, and lengthy battles. Laws that were originally created to protect employees unfortunately also protect the perpetrators. Oftentimes the victim(s) leave the organization long before any resolution. Part 2 of this series will describe the legal protection that is intended to protect staff, but unintentionally benefits the bully as well.