Harassment & Bullying: A Sepsis in Healthcare

Healthcare organizations are said to be at more risk for bullying and harassment than other types of industries. The Joint Commission has recognized the hostile healthcare environment by creating a patient safety standard specifically geared to the “disruptive” behavior among healthcare workers. Research suggests that healthcare workers are highly likely to be harassed and bullied by physicians, patients and their families, visitors, and coworkers.

Often the perpetrator is not held accountable and the misconduct continues resulting in poor morale, turnover, absenteeism, costly lawsuits, and a decrease in the quality of patient care.

• To define protected class harassment as it relates to federal and state laws
• To discuss bullying in healthcare
• To review current research on harassment and bullying in healthcare
• To identify the effects of harassment and bullying on the victim, the work unit, the organization, and patient care
• To discuss The Joint Commission’s patient care standard on disruptive behavior
• To identify steps to take when patients harass or bully staff
• To discuss management’s responsibility in the prevention and intervention of harassment and bullying

• Human Resources Professionals
• Nursing Supervisors
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Director of Nursing
• VP of Nursing
• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Hospital Administrators