Horizontal, or lateral, violence is defined as hostile, aggressive behavior by an individual or group toward another individual or group.1 Bullying, a form of horizontal violence, has a broader definition and may include a wide range of negative and disrespectful behaviors toward others. Whether labeled horizontal violence or bullying, these unacceptable, destructive behaviors are prevalent in many nursing workplace environments.

Figure. No caption available.

Covert behaviors of hostility include acts of belittling, gossiping, backstabbing, spreading rumors, fault finding, name calling, and character assassination. Other more overt behaviors of aggression in the workplace include being rude, being belligerent, talking in a dismissive tone, criticizing others publicly, and playing practical jokes designed to humiliate others. Physical assault isn't common, but shoving, hitting, or throwing objects may occur.

Victims of workplace hostility and aggression often experience low self-esteem and anxiety. High stress levels may lead to sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and impaired personal relationships. Although some nurses silently tolerate a hostile, aggressive environment as the norm, many react to an abusive environment by absenteeism and termination of employment. Fallout from horizontal violence and bullying in the workplace includes the negative impact on effective communication, collaboration, and productivity. Ultimately, a toxic, dysfunctional workplace environment may undermine the delivery of quality, safe patient care.

So what can you do to combat these behaviors?

1. Recognize the presence of horizontal violence and bullying in your workplace.

2. Work to create a culture of trust, collaboration, and respect for others in the workplace by actively promoting respectful and supportive relationships.

3. Don't tolerate acts of horizontal violence or bullying in the workplace. Address these behaviors in others promptly and directly and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

4. Enlist the support and assistance of managers in resolving hostility and aggression in your workplace.

5. Promote awareness of and education on horizontal violence and bullying through staff development activities.

6. Support the development of a departmental policy that clearly describes the process of managing horizontal violence and bullying.

Horizontal violence and bullying can be stopped by breaking the silence and endorsing a zero tolerance in nursing work environments.

REFERENCE