Posted: October 16th, 2023

Examining Lateral Violence among New Graduate Registered Nurses

Examining Lateral Violence among New Graduate Registered Nurses

Lateral violence, also known as horizontal violence or workplace bullying, is a phenomenon that affects many new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) in their transition from education to practice. Lateral violence refers to the hostile, aggressive, or abusive behaviors that occur between colleagues of similar status or rank, such as verbal abuse, intimidation, sabotage, or withholding of information. Lateral violence can have negative consequences for the NGRNs, such as decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover, reduced quality of care, and impaired patient safety. Therefore, it is important to examine the causes, effects, and solutions of lateral violence among NGRNs.

Causes of Lateral Violence

Lateral violence among NGRNs can be attributed to various factors, such as organizational culture, interpersonal relationships, and individual characteristics. Organizational culture refers to the norms, values, and beliefs that shape the work environment and influence the behaviors of the employees. A culture that tolerates or ignores lateral violence can create a climate of fear, mistrust, and disrespect among the staff. Interpersonal relationships refer to the interactions and communication between the NGRNs and their colleagues, mentors, and managers. A lack of support, feedback, or recognition can lead to feelings of isolation, insecurity, or resentment among the NGRNs. Individual characteristics refer to the personal traits, skills, and attitudes of the NGRNs and their perpetrators. A low self-esteem, poor coping skills, or inadequate competence can make the NGRNs more vulnerable to lateral violence. Similarly, a high stress level, frustration, or dissatisfaction can make the perpetrators more likely to engage in lateral violence.

Effects of Lateral Violence

Lateral violence among NGRNs can have detrimental effects on their personal and professional development. On a personal level, lateral violence can cause psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, anger, or burnout. These emotions can affect the NGRNs’ physical health, such as sleep quality, appetite, or immune system. On a professional level, lateral violence can impair the NGRNs’ performance, learning, and growth. These outcomes can affect the quality of care and patient safety, such as medication errors, infections, or falls. Moreover, lateral violence can reduce the NGRNs’ job satisfaction and commitment, which can increase their intention to leave the profession or the organization.

Solutions for Lateral Violence

Lateral violence among NGRNs can be prevented and addressed by implementing various strategies at different levels. At the organizational level, it is essential to create a culture of respect and civility that values diversity and collaboration. This can be achieved by establishing clear policies and procedures for reporting and resolving lateral violence incidents; providing education and training on conflict management and communication skills; and promoting recognition and reward programs for positive behaviors. At the interpersonal level, it is important to foster supportive and constructive relationships between the NGRNs and their colleagues, mentors, and managers. This can be accomplished by facilitating regular feedback and evaluation sessions; developing mentorship and preceptorship programs; and encouraging teamwork and peer support activities. At the individual level, it is necessary to enhance the self-awareness and self-care of the NGRNs and their perpetrators. This can be done by offering counseling and coaching services; providing resources and referrals for stress management and wellness; and encouraging reflection and self-improvement practices.

Conclusion

Lateral violence is a serious issue that affects many new graduate registered nurses in their transition from education to practice. It can have negative consequences for their personal well-being,
professional development,
quality of care,
and patient safety.
Therefore,
it is vital to examine
the causes,
effects,
and solutions
of lateral violence
among NGRNs.
By creating a culture of respect
and civility,
fostering supportive
and constructive relationships,
and enhancing self-awareness
and self-care,
lateral violence
can be prevented
and addressed
effectively.

Works Cited

– Embree JL,
Hudspeth RS.
“Workplace Incivility Among New Graduate Registered Nurses: A Possible Etiology.”
Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing,
vol.
52,
no.
1,
2021,
pp.
28-34.
doi:10.3928/00220124-20201215-06.
– Farag AA,
Tullai-McGuinness S,
Anthony MK.
“New Graduate Nurse Transition Programs And Clinical Leadership Skills In Novice RNs.”
Journal of Nursing Administration,
vol.
49,
no.
12,
2019,
pp.
607-612.
doi:10.1097/NNA.0000000000000819.
– Wilson BL,
Diedrich A,
Anderson MA,
Giddens JF.
“Effects Of Horizontal Violence And Bullying On New Graduate Nurses’ Burnout And Job Satisfaction.”
Journal for Nurses in Professional Development,
vol.
33,
no.
6,
2017,
pp.
281-287.
doi:10.1097/NND.0000000000000400.

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