Recent survey questions nurses about sexual harassment

Facing unwanted sexual advances in the workplace can be uncomfortable at the very least. For many workers, the actions and behavior can be so continuous that it constitutes sexual harassment and causes a disruption to individuals’ abilities to do their jobs. Additionally, it can have personal impacts as well as effects on a person’s job.

New York residents who work in the medical field may be interested in a recent report regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. A survey was recently conducted that involved over 6,200 nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants and asked about this type of harassment in their last three years at work. The survey also listed what constituted sexual misconduct for the purpose of the report, which included actions like rape, unwanted sexual communications, unwanted physical contact and repeated requests for dates to name a few.

The survey showed that based on the stipulations provided, 11 percent of nurses, NPs and PAs had personal experiences with this type of misconduct, and another 14 percent indicated that they had witnessed such actions at work. Disrespecting personal space, unwanted physical contact and sexual comments were among the most common actions reported. Additionally, the survey asked how upsetting such incidents were, and approximately 90 percent of the respondents indicated that the events were moderately to very upsetting.

It is an unfortunate reality that no profession is free from the risk of sexual harassment on the job. The actions can range in severity, but they can still cause emotional distress and other negative effects on workers. If New York nurses, NPs or PAs have experienced such harassment, they may want to gain information on their legal options.

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