Maud Low
University of Massachusetts, USA
Title: Hidden issues in research and policy on lateral violence in nursing: impetus for a new approach to nursing’s dark secret
Biography
Biography: Maud Low
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Nurses experience aggression in the workplace more than twice as often as workers in other professions. The phenomenon of society’s care-givers intentionally hurting their own kind would seem to be an oxymoron, if it were not so wide-spread and long-standing. Nurse peers are found to be the most frequent perpetrators of bullying among nurse groups. Mistreatment of others occurs in all ranks of healthcare, but lateral violence in nursing (LVN) is of particular interest because it is not affected by hierarchical complexities. LVN harms nurses all over the world and redirects their energy from patient care to interpersonal drama. LVN is associated with higher rates of nurse attrition which fuels the nursing shortage and therefore is of particular concern for an aging society. LVN is common, complex, and continues despite decades of LVN research and policy development.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A review of literature was conducted, yielding over 100 relevant, recent and classic publications from nursing and related fields. Findings were analyzed for potential misdirection and/or theoretical concerns.
Findings: Eight recurrent themes were identified and explored for effects on LVN practice and policy.
Conclusions & Significance: These findings point out the need to relook at nurse peer