The American Nurses Association has announced publication of a book to help nurses understand and deal with bullying in the workplace.

The ANA called the book "a must-read for nurses who want to increase their professional awareness and knowledge and develop the skills needed to effectively manage bullying behaviors and create safe workplaces." Studies have reported that between 18% and 31% of nurses have been the targets of bullying behaviors at all levels of practice.

Key topics include recognizing acts of bullying, identifying the causes and consequences of bullying and learning about the expected actions and responsibilities of individual nurses, nurse managers and healthcare organizations, including zero-tolerance policies.

Bullying has both individual and organizational consequences, according to the ANA. Victims of bullying may experience physical symptoms such as loss of sleep and psychological symptoms ranging from frustration to fear and depression.

Nurses who experience bullying are more likely to leave the organization, according to the ANA, meaning bullying can cause organizations to incur replacement costs in addition to excessive sick time.

Bullying also jeopardizes patient care, the ANA said, citing reports that disruptive behaviors have resulted in adverse events, medication errors and near-misses during the past few years.

"Bullying in the Workplace: Reversing a Culture" is available for purchase at http://bit.ly/HsAIU1.