Horizontal violence in nursing

[ManagementHealthSolutions]

What is the first thing that needs to happen to stop horizontal violence in nursing?

[NURSEDETROIT]

This is the one issue that all nurses will experience at one point or another in all it's varied forms. Like a metastatic CA, it exists everywhere; "entrenched" being the popular term. . . The perpetrators first need to acknowledge/admit that it even exists. Most who "do it" will deny it despite the evidence "it" exists. HV violence only serves to undermine nursing as a profession; is destructive, discredits, and diminishes all those involved and affected by it. Especially so, when and if there is a disparity of power and/or cronyism and nepotism are also involved. The "antics" become more destructive when used for personal and political gain.

Having experienced HV in all it's varied forms over the years and fallout thereof. . .not quite sure of what all the answers are; or even how to handle it when it does happen. It's difficult to even "name" as it's occurring; this because it's become so much more insidious in nature. . . Then "who" do you take the information to? What repercussions do the perpetrators suffer? It wouldn't be happening if it's not accepted/condoned by the "powers that be." Not something I was ever taught or am aware of being addressed in any nursing program. . .

Management, those in "authority" is where it "should" stop. However, it appears/seems that in many/most instances, these are the very individuals who are the most frequent perpetrators; further aided by the disparity in power. . .Holding others to standards they cannot hold themselves to; "do as I say, not as I do." If, "leadership" is the "example;" the first question should be and then needs to be asked, "What is the example am I setting here?" Another aspect of this issue revolves around the "control" of other individuals; negative behavior is manifested in the creation of lies, deception, and the filtering of information "as, or as not" provided. Basic Psych 101; only insecure/weak individuals typically seek and or have the need to "control" others. . . The "Peter Principle" in action. . .