Addressing Bullying in Healthcare Settings: Contrasting Approaches of Nursing Leaders and Managers

QUESTION

You will describe the differing approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice.  In this assignment, do the following:

1. Use the following list:  Selected Bullying.
2. Describe the selected issue. Discuss how it impacts quality of care and patient safety in the setting in which it occurs.
3. Discuss how professional standards of practice should be demonstrated in this situation to help rectify the issue or maintain professional conduct.
4. Explain the differing roles of nursing leaders and nursing managers in this instance and discuss the different approaches they take to address the selected issue and promote patient safety and quality care. Support your rationale by using the theories, principles, skills, and roles of the leader versus manager described in your readings.
5. Discuss what additional aspects managers and leaders would need to initiate in order to ensure professionalism throughout diverse health care settings while addressing the selected issue.
6. Describe a leadership style that would best address the chosen issue. Explain why this style could be successful in this setting.

ANSWER

Addressing Bullying in Healthcare Settings: Contrasting Approaches of Nursing Leaders and Managers

Introduction

Bullying is a pervasive issue in healthcare settings that can significantly impact the quality of care and patient safety. It undermines teamwork, communication, and professional conduct, ultimately compromising the well-being of both healthcare providers and patients. In this essay, we will explore the impact of bullying on quality of care and patient safety, discuss professional standards of practice to rectify the issue, and compare the roles of nursing leaders and managers in addressing bullying. Additionally, we will highlight the essential aspects that leaders and managers should initiate to promote professionalism in diverse healthcare settings.

Selected Issue: Bullying

Bullying refers to persistent and intentional acts of aggression, harassment, and intimidation targeting an individual or a group. In healthcare settings, bullying can occur among healthcare professionals, affecting the collaborative work environment necessary for providing high-quality care. It negatively impacts communication, teamwork, job satisfaction, and ultimately patient outcomes. Bullying can lead to increased stress, burnout, decreased morale, and compromised patient safety due to impaired communication and decreased collaboration among healthcare providers.

Demonstration of Professional Standards of Practice

In addressing bullying, professional standards of practice should be upheld to create a respectful and safe environment. These standards include maintaining confidentiality, fostering open communication, treating colleagues with respect, and adhering to codes of ethics and conduct. By promoting a culture of respect and professionalism, healthcare professionals can rectify the issue of bullying and maintain professional conduct.

Differing Roles of Nursing Leaders and Managers

Nursing leaders and managers play distinct yet complementary roles in addressing bullying and promoting patient safety and quality care. Nursing leaders are responsible for setting the vision, inspiring and motivating staff, and creating a positive organizational culture. They focus on promoting open communication, developing policies and procedures, and establishing expectations for professional behavior. On the other hand, nursing managers are involved in the day-to-day operations, overseeing staff, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. They focus on resolving conflicts, providing support to staff, and implementing strategies to promote a safe and respectful work environment.

Leadership Style to Address Bullying

A transformational leadership style is best suited to address bullying in healthcare settings. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their team members, promote collaboration, and create a shared vision of a positive work environment. This leadership style emphasizes open communication, active listening, and fostering a sense of empowerment among staff. By encouraging staff engagement and involvement, transformational leaders can effectively address bullying and promote a culture of respect and professionalism. This leadership style empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions, fosters teamwork, and establishes a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Initiating Professionalism in Diverse Healthcare Settings

To ensure professionalism throughout diverse healthcare settings while addressing bullying, leaders and managers should initiate several key aspects. These include promoting a culture of respect, providing ongoing education and training on professional behavior and conflict resolution, implementing reporting mechanisms for bullying incidents, establishing supportive systems for staff, and holding individuals accountable for their actions. Additionally, fostering diversity and inclusivity and addressing issues related to power dynamics are crucial to promoting professionalism in diverse healthcare environments.

Conclusion

Bullying poses significant challenges to patient safety and the quality of care in healthcare settings. By upholding professional standards of practice and adopting an inclusive and supportive leadership style, nursing leaders and managers can address bullying and create a positive work environment. Initiatives promoting professionalism, such as education, reporting mechanisms, and accountability, are essential to ensure a respectful and safe healthcare environment. By addressing bullying and promoting professionalism, healthcare organizations can enhance teamwork, communication, and patient outcomes, ultimately contributing to high-quality care delivery.