Impacts of Workplace Bullying Toward New Graduate Nurses on Acceptable Patient Outcomes

Emma Jetty

This literature review examines the existing research into the impact that workplace bullying in healthcare settings can have on acceptable patient health outcomes. Focusing primarily on the experience of new nursing graduates, it examines several recent studies that show quantifiable negative impacts on the health of patients and nursing care when nurses feel they are the target of aggression from colleagues. Workplace aggression does not need to be physical in order to cause physical harm; verbal aggression is most common and impacts professionals of all specialties, ages, and genders. It is challenging to manage interpersonal conflict in any setting. However, the research into effective nursing practice demonstrates a true physical danger associated with unhealthy work environments.

• Emma Jetty is a nursing major. The executive chair of the Honors College Leadership Council, Emma managed the Honors social and service programs for two years. She also served as a Presidential Ambassador, a LINK 101 peer leader, and a student worker in the Lander University Office of the President. Emma completed a yearlong nursing externship at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood in 2019-20, and she will be returning to Self as a critical care nurse after graduation.