Sexual harassment in nursing

Abstract

Sexual harassment is a problem faced by women in the workplace which can lead to adverse psychological consequences as well as impaired work performance. Sexual harassment is about the abuse of power and status rather then merely being about sex per se and has to be viewed in the context of institutionalized male power. Although there is a relative dearth of research, there is increasing evidence that sexual harassment of nurses is common and that it can have adverse effects on nurses physical and psychological health as well as a direct impact on patient care. Nursing, by its very nature of having to care for patients bodily needs, transgresses normal social rules regarding bodily contact. This is exploited by the perpetrator who relies on nurses' caring attitude to be able to harass. A descriptive model of the processes involved in harassment is presented which offers the possibility of being able to intervene at a number of points in the process. Interventions need to be aimed at both individual and organizational levels if there is to be a prospect of reducing a major occupational stressor for nurses.

Reactions to sexual harassment of the physiotherapist

“…The respondents in this study who revealed that they had been sexually harassed, indicated that when their work performance was effected, it was most commonly due to decreased concentration, which corresponds with the finding of Robbins, Bender and Finnis (1997). Kumalo (1998) states that occupational work accidents happen when the relevant person is not concentrating fully on the job at hand.…”

“…The victims in the studies conducted by Assey and Herbert (1983), Gutek and Koss (1993), Robbins, Bender and Finnis (1997), Weerakoon and O'Sullivan (1998) also reported experiencing these emotions.…”

“…Kumalo (1998) states that occupational work accidents happen when the relevant person is not concentrating fully on the job at hand. When a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist, does not concentrate on the treatment being given to a patient, it not only impinges on the quality of care, as suggested by Robbins, Bender and Finnis (1997), but may even have dangerous consequences.…”

Experience of workplace violence among nurses in Turkey*

“…However, this type of violence is known to be under reported, as it is a sensitive subject that is considered taboo, and the victim is at risk to be stigmatized. [24] Some studies have noted that exposure to sexual violence among nurses is as high as 7%-76%. [10,24] In the present study, only 4.1% reported exposure to sexual violence.…”

“…[24] Some studies have noted that exposure to sexual violence among nurses is as high as 7%-76%. [10,24] In the present study, only 4.1% reported exposure to sexual violence. This low number may be because the nurses did not report the incidents due to the risk of being stigmatized.…”