Interrupting the cycle of bullying witnessed or experienced by nursing students: An ethical and relational action framework. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Flynn-Magee, Kathy; Rodney, Patricia Paddy; Pearson, Marion; Afonso Burnay, Marta; Daly, Zachary
• Is Part Of: Nurse education today. Volume 91(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Bullying -- Nursing education -- Learning environment -- Educational policy -- Interprofessional -- Ethical & relational action framework; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 610.7307
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104458
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-6917

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The prevalence of bullying experienced by nursing students continues to be a substantial concern for the profession, especially for nurse educators. It is also an issue in other health care professional programs. Objectives: To explore how educational institutions address bullying experienced by nursing and other health care professional students, with the goal of creating a set of procedures for reporting bullying if students witness or experience it during their education. Design: Qualitative Description. Our central question was "What processes and resources do faculty members use when students disclose an experience related to bullying?" Settings: Educational institutions in Western Canada. Participants: Nine faculty members and one staff member with a student service role from nursing and other health care profession programs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews. Results: We found significant variation in interviewees' conceptions of bullying and the policies, processes, and resources for addressing bullying within programs. We adopted an existing definition of bullying; designed a set of procedures focused on reporting mechanisms; and developed a guiding framework entitled Addressing Bullying in Nursing Education: An Ethical and Relational Action Framework . Conclusions: Nursing and other health care professional programs should ensure they have 1) clear and transparent procedures to report bullying 2) education about bullying for students and faculty.