Lateral Violence Nursing

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Lateral Violence in Nursing
Pamela A. Jangro
Southern New Hampshire University

Abstract
The concept of lateral violence (LV) in nursing has been the topic of research for many years. It is a contradiction that nurses, whose basic role is to "care for others" are often know to "eat their young". LV in nursing has existed for many years and still exists despite ongoing research and education. Often new graduate nurses are the target of LV as an "initiation" into the field. LV is carried out through bullying, verbal threats, physical threats and sabotaging to name just a few pathways. The consequences of LV are low self esteem, depression and the consequences impact patient care.

Lateral Violence in Nursing: Introduction
Lateral violence (LV) is defined as acts of aggression that are committed against one nurse from another nurse. LV is shown through unkind and antagonistic behaviors that occur among nurses within a shared work environment. The most common expressions of LV are verbal abuse, undermining, withholding information, …show more content…

The United States has laws to protect citizens from sexual and racial harassment in the workplace but nothing to protect from lateral violence (Sheridan-Leos 399-402). Changing behaviors is the first step. Nursing management must acknowledge and address LV as it occurs. Management should provide education regarding LV and its impact on nursing to create awareness. Many schools have instituted zero tolerance bullying policies which would be helpful to institute in nursing as well. Managers are responsible to build morale, support nurses and provide a good example of model behavior as well as instituting strict policies regarding abuse. Sheridan-Leos referenced six principles written by Thomas (2003) to assist is eliminating lateral

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