Lates INMO study headed by Professor Sheehan finds an increase in workplace bullying experienced by nurses and midwives

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), in partnership with NUI Galway and the National College of Ireland, has published findings of a large-scale survey of nurses and midwives in Ireland on the current levels of workplace bullying being experienced by its members.  The study was headed by Professor Maura Sheehan who has published widely on issues of workplace discrimination and injustice and provides an updated analysis of one conducted by the University of Limerick of nurses, in conjunction with the INMO, in 2010.  The survey suggests that workplace bullying has increased by 13.4 per cent in the four years since the previous survey was conducted, and that about 6 per cent of nurses and midwives are being bullied on a daily basis.  Prof Maura Sheehan has expressed her concern: “The personal consequences in terms of health, well-being and family relationships of people who experience workplace bullying are extremely serious.  Almost all organisations have a formal anti-bullying policy in place. Clearly there is a significant gap between the presence and implementation of such policies. There needs to be a fundamental culture change in hospitals and care facilities – a zero tolerance policy for any bullying must be implemented. This must apply to all employees, no matter how senior, specialised and experienced.” Read an executive summary of the survey here or Irish Times report here.