A nurse’s co-worker makes a practice of telling offensive jokes or sto

A nurse’s co-worker makes a practice of telling offensive jokes or stories with a sexual undertone during the shift. The initial action of the nurse is to:

1. Ignore the co-worker and walk away.
2. Report the incident to the nurse manager.
3. Tell the co-worker to stop the activity because the conduct is offensive.
4. Ask to be scheduled opposite this co-worker.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Ignoring the situation is not addressing the situation in an assertive manner.
Rationale 2: Reporting the incident to the nurse manager would be an appropriate second step if the behavior doesn’t stop after the nurse’s approach.
Rationale 3: Nurses must develop skills of assertiveness to deter sexual harassment in the workplace. Telling the co-worker to stop and why, is the first step in putting an end to the situation.
Rationale 4: Asking to be scheduled opposite this person is not addressing the situation in an assertive manner.