The issue of sexual harassment in the workplace has been ramped up in the recent months. Starting with Hollywood’s reckoning before moving into the entertainment and sporting industries, it has caused employers to step back and take a look at what is really happening in their ranks. Even the NBA is contemplating established a confidential sexual harassment tip line to give victims a voice.
Unfortunately for nurses, sexual harassment is often par for the course at their place of employment. The difference is that the harassment isn’t necessarily coming from coworkers, it’s from patients. Emergency rooms nurses often undergo being called “sweetheart,” “honey,” or “babe” from male patients. While some of the patients mean it as a compliment, that isn’t always the case.
Nurses are constantly in close contact with their patients, changing their IVs, taking blood, helping them in and out of bed, and even bathing them. This hands on element of the job can lead to very uncomfortable situations with patients grabbing them or exposing themselves unnecessarily. This might seem like a one-off occurrence, but it’s extremely prevalent among the nursing ranks.
In fact, over 71% of nurses actually reported that they had been harassed by a patient at least once in their career. This is one of the most prevalent issues in the workplace for nurses. The issue is that the lines are often blurred. The work of nurses often involves treating patients in close proximity and sometimes involves them being naked.
The issue, is that it’s up to the health care organization to protect their employees, but it’s their obligation to treat patients. This is different than a store rushing a rude customer out the front door. In hospitals, they are dealing with elderly patients or people that aren’t necessarily in their right minds or are on medications. There are steps that can be taken to prevent reoccurrences, but hospital administration can do little to stop a first time offender.
HEDIS Nurses is Hiring
If you are frustrated with the hassles that come with working in a hospital or medical facility, there are other options available. You might think switching careers negates the hard work you put into obtaining your nursing degree, but there are jobs that utilize your degree. HEDIS Nurses is always looking for qualified nurses to join their talented team.
What is HEDIS Nurses?
At HEDIS Nurses, our skilled nurses offer assistance with HEDIS tasks. Health plan representatives have projects that need to be completed, and from chart abstractions to full outsourcing of HEDIS tasks, we do it all. We offer flexible schedules and even the ability to work from home. If you are tired of the long shifts and harassment that comes with working in a hospital ward or other medical care facility, consider joining HEDIS Nurses. Our experienced team is always happy to add another nurses to the ranks and you can easily submit a resume online at HEDIS Nurses!
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