Nurse lateral violence remains a problem and results in nurse turnover as well as other negative consequences to the nurse, organization, and patients. The following presents a discussion of nurse lateral violence. Nurse lateral violence or nurse to nurse violence is described, reasons for and consequences of this violence are identified, and solutions to help deal with the problem are noted. This is followed by conclusions.
Nurse to Nurse or Nurse Lateral Violence
Violence among nurses is so common that it has a name, nurse lateral violence (Hurley, 2006). This violence is also referred to as nurse-to-nurse horizontal violence. Some view this violence as a type of hazing or a rite of passage (Michigan Nurses Association, 2010). This violence is typically experienced by new nurses and may include intentional or unintentional and careless acts of violence. Acts may be thoughtless or intentional and purposeful. They may be designed to harm another or to humiliate or intimidate another. They may include individual or group actions and may range from random acts to a pattern of repeated acts (Michigan Nurses Association, 2010). In a survey of 33 RNs, 91% reported that they had experienced this horizontal violence, 94% reported that they had witnessed this violence, and 76% reported that this violence was moderate to severe (Hurley, 2006).
Causes and Consequences of Nurse Lateral Violence
There are multiple contributors to nurse lateral violence. For example, an atmosphere of oppression and negative role socialization contribute to nurse to nurse violence as does role issues of nurses in general, gender issues, poor self-esteem, misplaced anger, educational shortcomings, and an administration that retreats instead of dealing with this violence (Hurley, 2006; Powell, 2007). Consequences of nurse lateral violence are also multiple. It is estimated that 60% of ne
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