Dear Editor,

The article, "The Development of an Educational Intervention to Address Workplace Bullying" (May/June 2012), highlighted the insensitive characteristics of bullies within the nursing profession. I have practiced as a professional nurse since 1989 and have witnessed and been on the receiving end of bullying. As a graduate nursing student and a future nurse leader, I have adopted the "no bullying platform" to educate others about this unprofessional behavior.

Nurses must be more aware of this situation. I think published research on nurse bullying brings attention to the topic and encourages nurses to take earlier action to eliminate the behavior.

Repetitive bullying may result in psychological or physiological complications in nurses on the receiving end of this negative behavior (Longo, 2010). Bullying can result in increased nursing turnover rates, increased absenteeism, and unnecessary cost to healthcare organizations (Simons & Mawn, 2010).

Nurses at any level of the hierarchy must advocate supporting each other to promote a safe working environment and achieve positive patient outcomes. Nurse leaders must be champions in setting the precedent for a healthy working environment.

Respectfully,

Deirdre Williams, BSN, RN, CCRN

Graduate Student

University of Texas, Arlington

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