Learning Objective #1: Describe the presence of bullying in the workplace

Learning Objective #2: Identify risk behaviors associated with workplace bullying

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The psyche is under grave attack in a workplace environment that includes bullying. The already negative work environment faced by nurses in a hospital is further threatened through the persistent demeaning of a nurse by cruel words and viscous acts of the bully. The victims have suffered professional attacks by the bully which included: belittlement and humiliation and denial of any acknowledgment of good work. As a result, many victims suffered poor psychological health, low self esteem and dissatisfaction with nursing; all of which lead some victims to leave the profession all together. Recognizing the existence of bullying has empowered some nurses to take steps to alleviate the problem and improve the work environment. While the shortage of nursing has provided unlimited employment opportunities, the recognition empowered other nurses to realize that finding a more favorable nursing environment was the only way to escape the bullying that is not always amendable to “quick fixes.”