Sexual harassment of female registered nurses in hospitals

J Nurs Adm. 1994 Jun;24(6):26-31. doi: 10.1097/00005110-199406000-00008.

Abstract

Sexual harassment of nurses seriously affects nursing performance and productivity. In this survey, sexual harassment by male patients and coworkers was reported by greater than 70% of the female staff nurses surveyed. The most common manifestations of harassment were sexual remarks; however, behaviors involving touch were frequent. Nurses noted that they often confronted patients when these behaviors occurred, but were less likely to confront male co-workers. Findings suggest that nursing managers and executives must discover and eliminate sexual harassment in hospital work settings and create work cultures that discourage manifestation of sexually harassing behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Missouri
  • Nurse Administrators
  • Nurse-Patient Relations*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Harassment / statistics & numerical data*