Bullying and the nursing profession in Australia: An integrative review of the literature

Peter Hartin, Melanie Birks, David Lindsay

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Bullying in nursing remains unacceptable with reports of bullying and harassment increasing. Aim: This article discusses the current state of knowledge about bullying in the nursing profession in Australia. Methods: The review was informed by the approach described by Whittemore and Knafl. A literature search was conducted using thefollowing search terms: ‘nurse OR nursing OR nurses’ AND ‘bullying OR bully OR violence OR harassment’ AND ‘Australia’. Findings: The findings highlight the many ways in which the experience of bullying in the nursing profession can be manifested and the implications for the profession as a whole. Discussion: The culture, prevalence and impact of bullying described in this paper raises concerns for practitioners, educators and policy makers. Conclusion: In order to develop effective strategies for both nurses and organisations to address the problem of bullying in nursing in Australia, the contributing factors that allow the problem to persist must first be examined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)613-619
Number of pages7
JournalCollegian
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Australia
  • Bullying
  • Integrative review
  • Nursing

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