The Dark Side of Nursing

Stories about bullying seem to be in the news every day. Sadly, these stories often follow a tragic event, and they usually involve children and teens. But bullying is not just a childhood phenomenon; reports of bullying in the workplace, among adults, are on the rise. In , author Ingrid Teresa Pryde shares her story of bullying in the health-care fi eld. When she decided to make nursing her lifework, she had no idea the profession that she associated with compassionate care harboured a dirty little secret: a culture of bullying. Her story serves as a backdrop for the discussion of a serious issue and is supported by substantive academic research, stories taken from current news reports, and personal accounts. The text is rich in detail, sustained by data, and compelling in spirit. Pryde defi nes the crime of bullying in all its forms and explores the behaviours and motivations of the bully, going on to suggest approaches for dealing with the problem of bullying, gleaned from literature written by experts in the field of behavioural science. She discusses legislation enacted to counter the crime of bullying and presents options for education and reform. With practical strategies for coping with bullying behaviour in the workplace, it's possible to fi nd real solutions to a problem that exacts a terrible cost in terms of corporate fi nances, workplace productivity, and human lives. .