In Jamaica, the phenomenon of lateral violence and bullying is not recognised or addressed, for a number of reasons including the perception that this behaviour is a normal rite of passage. A new or novice nurse in
Jamaica consistently expects the worse patient allocation, and ‘bad treatment’ from more experienced peers.
Lateral violence has attained a level of normalcy despite being much complained about, and runs parallel to expressions of fear and anxiety, not only from the treatment experienced, but also that fear which stems from the lack of confidence and distrust in those responsible for addressing the problem. Jackson & Ashley (2005) identified workplace violence and work related stress are significant issues with nurses in Jamaican hospitals.
Coupled with the high incidences of community violence, lateral violence, as a type of workplace violence, places the nurse under extreme psychological and physical pressure with wide ranging sequelae at both a personal and institutional level.
The first step to addressing a situation that has been accepted as ‘normal’ by the group is to bring the problem out into the open. Definitive action must be taken to address the problem of lateral violence and its impact on both nurses and patients. Training and empowerment to deal with the situation is crucial