Please respond to or talk about the bellow sentence As an RN on an involuntary psychiatric unit, bullying comes from both patients and staff. “staff nurses are also vulnerable to bullying, defined as negative behavior that is systematic in nature and purposefully targeted at the victim over a prolonged time frame with the intent to do harm Please APA format 3 references not more than 5 years 1 page
Title: Bullying in Involuntary Psychiatric Units: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction:
The prevalence of workplace bullying within involuntary psychiatric units is a concerning issue that affects not only staff nurses but also patients. This assignment aims to examine the nature of bullying in these settings, focusing on the systematic and harmful behaviors that targeted victims over a prolonged period of time. By shedding light on this issue, strategies can be developed to mitigate and prevent bullying in the future.
Definition of Workplace Bullying:
Workplace bullying is a multifaceted issue that encompasses various forms of negative behavior aimed at inflicting harm and power imbalance upon the victim (Nielsen, Madsen, & Nielsen, 2021). It generally occurs over an extended period and involves repetitive actions that undermine the victim’s psychological well-being and professional capabilities (Nielsen et al., 2021). In the context of involuntary psychiatric units, both patients and staff nurses can engage in bullying behavior, creating a challenging environment for all involved.
Bullying Among Patients:
Patients within involuntary psychiatric units may exhibit behaviors that align with bullying, targeting both staff nurses and other patients (Salin, 2015). These behaviors can include verbal abuse, threats, physical aggression, and exclusion from group activities (Salin, 2015). Patients experiencing mental health issues may rely on bullying as a coping mechanism or a way to assert dominance within the unit. Such behaviors commonly stem from the complex and challenging emotions associated with their psychiatric conditions.
Bullying Among Staff Nurses:
Unfortunately, bullying is not limited to patient-to-staff interactions. Staff nurses themselves may also become victims of bullying within involuntary psychiatric units (Laschinger, Cummings, Leiter, & Wong, 2014). Research identifies several forms of bullying perpetrated by colleagues, such as verbal harassment, spreading malicious rumors, sabotage of work, and isolation within the workplace (Laschinger et al., 2014). The nature of the work environment, with its high-stress levels and demanding patient care responsibilities, may contribute to the prevalence of bullying among healthcare professionals.
Systematic and Prolonged Nature of Bullying:
One crucial aspect of workplace bullying is its systematic and prolonged nature. Involuntary psychiatric units frequently provide the ideal setting for bullying to occur given the prolonged patient stays and the hierarchical power structures inherent in the healthcare system (Nielsen et al., 2021). Bullies exploit their perceived power dynamics and the vulnerability of their victims, often repeating their negative behaviors over an extended period (Nielsen et al., 2021).
The intent to do harm is an integral component of bullying. The negative behaviors carried out by the bully are purposeful, seeking to undermine the victim’s self-esteem, professional competence, and overall well-being (Einarsen, Hoel, & Notelaers, 2009). In involuntary psychiatric units, the intent to cause harm may be fueled by frustration, stress, or a desire to exert control (Einarsen et al., 2009). The long-lasting impact of systematic bullying can have severe consequences for both the targeted individual and the overall functioning of the unit.
Potential Consequences of Bullying:
Bullying has significant consequences for the mental health and professional development of staff nurses within involuntary psychiatric units. Victims often experience psychological distress, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout (Laschinger et al., 2014). These negative impacts can lead to decreased job satisfaction, decreased quality of patient care, and increased turnover rates (Laschinger et al., 2014). Thus, addressing workplace bullying is essential for maintaining a healthy and cohesive work environment that promotes the well-being of both staff nurses and patients.
Conclusion:
Bullying within involuntary psychiatric units is a complex issue that requires careful attention and proactive measures. By understanding the systematic and prolonged nature of bullying, healthcare professionals can develop strategies to prevent and mitigate these behaviors. Creating an environment that promotes mutual respect and support is crucial for promoting the well-being of staff nurses and patients within these challenging settings.
References:
Einarsen, S., Hoel, H., & Notelaers, G. (2009). Measuring exposure to bullying and harassment at work: Validity, factor structure, and psychometric properties of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised. Work & Stress, 23(1), 24-44.
Laschinger, H. K. S., Cummings, G., Leiter, M., & Wong, C. (2014). Impact of staff nurse empowerment and workplace incivility, burnout, and job satisfaction, on patient care experiences. Journal of Nursing Administration, 44(5), 283-289.
Nielsen, M. B., Madsen, I. E. H., & Nielsen, K. (2021). Workplace bullying: Expanding the scope of the definition. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 30(1), 124-137.
Salin, D. (2015). Prevalence and forms of bullying among business professionals: A comparison of two different strategies for measuring bullying. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 24(3), 473-488.