Bullying in the workplace is a
v e ry serious matter that continues
to escalate in health care org a n i z ations. Although little is written on
the topic of workplace bullying as it
relates to nursing, literature indicates hostility significantly decre a ses morale as well as job satisfaction
( G reene 2002; Murr a y, 2008a). If
abuse is permitted to continue
unabated, workplace rights advocates expect the financial burden on
health care institutions to be
u n p recedented. Bullying in the
workplace can cost over $4 billion
yearly (Murr a y, 2008a). It also has
become a major contributor to the
i n c reasing rate of work dissatisfaction, absences from work, lost prod u c t i v i t y, and work-related injuries
in health care institutions