Lateral Violence As A Non Physical Act - 1368 Words

Lateral violence is described as a non-physical act occurring between individuals and is intended to hurt another person emotionally. It may be a secretive or noticeable act of verbal or non-verbal hostility. The actions can extend exterior to the place of work and can be perpetrated individually or in cyberspace. Within the nursing community, lateral violence is described as aggression behaviors amongst nurses. The most common forms of lateral violence in the nursing practice include: undermining actions, withholding information, interference, backbiting, incrimination, backstabbing, broken confidences, and failure to respect the privacy of another person. Workplace conflict leads to adverse impacts on registered nurses, patients, other†¦show more content†¦Other issues mentioned include discrimination in the workplace, the perception of subjection, anger, and power wrangles within healthcare organizations. They further conclude that health care organizations need to eradic ate antecedent and equip nurses with skills and techniques required to eliminate lateral violence and improve the nursing workplace, patient health care, and nurse retention. A study by Jean Carban titled â€Å"Lateral violence in nursing†, presents three major factors contributing to lateral violence: Oppression in the workplace, gender issues, and low self-esteem. The author argues that there has been the culture of domination within the nursing community leaving nurses feeling powerless. This is further intensified by the fear of reprisal and punishment preventing the nurses from responding to oppression. Consequently, nurses feel hurt and vulnerable since this cycle is repeated. Gender theory as a cause of lateral violence maintains that lateral violence happens because socialization amongst women does not allow them appreciates themselves and the role they play in nursing. The gender theory postulates that female nurses do not feel equal in control or professional stature. As a result, they become unsatisfied and angry and will let out their feelings on each other. Within the nursing community, positive self-esteem enables empathetic conducts; the provision of personalized, universal care, and