Creating a Nurse-Led Culture to Minimize Horizontal Violence in the Acute Care Setting: A Multi-Interventional Approach.

Horizontal violence (HV) is prevalent in nursing. However, few strategies are identified to address this phenomenon that undermines communication and patient safety. Nurses at an acute care hospital implemented multiple interventions to address HV resulting in increased knowledge of hospital policies regarding HV, and significantly (p < .05) less HV prevalence than was reported by nurses in other organizations throughout New York State. With the aid and oversight of nursing professional development specialists, evidence-based interventions to address HV were developed including policies, behavioral performance reviews, and staff/manager educational programs.

The degree of horizontal violence in RNs practicing in New York State.

This study examined the degree of horizontal violence (HV) among RNs practicing in New York State (NYS). The objective was to determine the knowledge of HV and the degree of being a victim among practicing RNs. A descriptive survey using Briles' Sabotage Savvy Questionnaire, measuring occurrences of HV and nurses' knowledge of HV, was conducted among 2659 RNs in NYS hospitals. Findings demonstrate a significantly greater (P < .05) degree of HV in union versus nonunion cultures and less HV in Magnet® organizations. Gender and RN education significantly impacted HV. Developing organizational, leadership, and individual interventions to address HV helps create a culture of safety.

An asset-based community initiative to reduce television viewing in New York state.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is an epidemic. Addressing this problem will require the input of many sectors and change in many behaviors. The "community" must be part of the solution, and the solution must be constructed on existing assets that lend strength to positive environmental change. OBJECTIVE: To catalyze an established asset-based community partnership to support efforts to reduce television viewing time by developing and providing alternative activities as part of a broader, 3-year study to reduce childhood obesity among preschool-aged children in rural, upstate New York. METHOD: Asset mapping was utilized to compile an inventory of individual and community strengths upon which a partnership could be established. Facilitated focus group sessions were conducted to better understand childcare environmental policies and practices, and to guide changes conducive to health and fitness. Planning meetings and targeted outreach brought key stakeholders together for a community-participatory initiative to support positive environmental change. RESULTS.: The partnership planned and initiated an array of after-school and weekend community activities for preschool-aged children and their families in the weeks preceding, during, and following a designated 'TV Turn-off' week in April, 2004 and March, 2005. CONCLUSION: Methods of asset-based community development are an effective way to engage community participation in public health initiatives.