As a witness to bullying, the most impactful action is to provide support to the target. Here are some real-life examples demonstrating effective ways to offer assistance:
- Daily Check-Ins: In Canada, a nurse facing bullying from a colleague who refused to share information and spoke demeaning words received daily support from a colleague who called her to offer encouragement. This simple act of kindness can significantly boost the target’s morale.
- Collective Action: A California operating room nurse endured regular verbal abuse and denial of vacation time. Along with 20 of her fellow nurses, she reported the bullying to administration, with over 40 physicians backing their claims. This collective approach can amplify the impact of the complaint and highlight the severity of the issue.
- Code Bully Response: In some healthcare settings, witnessing bullying has led to the establishment of protocols like a ‘Code Bully.’ When nurses observe bullying, they surround the targeted nurse and confront the perpetrator, clearly stating that such behavior is unacceptable. This unified stand not only protects the individual but also fosters a culture of accountability.
By actively supporting targets and standing against bullying, witnesses can play a vital role in creating a safer and more respectful workplace.
