Ethical and Legal Issues Associated With Bullying in the Nursing Profession

ISSN： 1938-2995

Source： Journal of Nursing Law, Vol.15, Iss.1, 2012-04, pp. : 9-13

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Abstract

With the explosion of bullying in the workplace over the last several years, and the recent increase in cases of bullying in the nursing profession, it is important to understand the ethical and legal issues associated with these behaviors. The nursing profession has enjoyed more than a decade of recognition as the most ethical profession. Indeed, the profession is guided by detailed codes of ethics that provide a foundation for the extraordinary moral character expected for nurses. Yet, despite these clear ethical expectations, there are nurses who have engaged in bullying behaviors targeting their subordinates as well as their peers. In addition to ethical codes, there are laws that are violated when individuals engage in bullying behaviors in any workplace. This article explores the ethical and legal factors associated with bullying in nursing and suggests that education about the issues should be initiated to eliminate these destructive behaviors.