3 Tips to Protect Yourself from Workplace Abuse

Perioperative Director Nakeisha Archer, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM, wants nurses to know there are ways to get support and shield yourself from the detrimental effects of workplace bullying and incivility that is driving many nurses to leave their jobs.

As a longtime advocate for leading a zero-tolerance approach to incivility and bullying in her own workplace, Archer has shaped an evidence-based program to prevent staff aggression and abuse.

Protect Yourself

While no nurse should ever try to handle a bully on their own, she knows nurses can empower themselves with knowledge, confidence, and leadership support to shut down an abusive colleague.

As simple as it sounds, Archer says this road to combating incivility and bullying starts with being strong enough to believe in yourself. “A bully often preys on a person who lacks confidence and is more likely to quietly accept abuse. By building your confidence and personal well-being, you are less of a target.”

She suggests three important tips for nurses to protect themselves from incivility and bullying:

1. Bring Your Strongest Self to Work

Make time for your daily wellness routine to stay healthy, centered, and strong, with the right combination of exercise, affirmations, meditation, reading, podcasts, or even coffee by the pool—whatever works for you. “When you bring your best and strongest self to work, you have a clear head to combat civility.” 

2. Arm Yourself with Learned Responses to Incivility

When you understand the different types of incivility—whether it’s a condescending tone, manipulation, or direct aggression—there are learned responses to uncivil situations that make it easier to handle in the moment.

For example, if a colleague is raising their voice to you, say “I understand you are angry, but I’ll ask you to lower your tone when you address me.” Or try saying, “this is not the time or the place, please stop.”

3. Check Your Mental Pulse

By taking time to check in with yourself on your mental health and taking actions to stay positive, you can help create a positive workplace. One way to stay positive is to connect with colleagues who keep you smiling, she says. “Join with a group of positive coworkers to support each other through any moral distress that may happen in the work environment.”