ADVANCING HEALTH-CARE PRACTICE

1.4     Helen's Story

As we have seen, the cycle and the impact of abuse are similar for nurses and for women who are experiencing abuse in the context of a relationship (and there are many female nurses who experience abuse by their partner and a 'colleague'). Many of the tactics that are used to intimidate, humiliate, and gain and maintain power in an intimate relationship are based on the underlying dynamics of a sense of entitlement to power. The sense of powerlessness, loss of freedom and degradation is also experienced by both nurses and women in abusive relationships. The impact of abuse on decision-making and on health can be similar.

There is one striking difference. Nurses may share their workplace experiences with trusted and understanding colleagues. They may gain support and encouragement from each other. In the case of Dr. Dale, nurses chose to laugh at him where they could, and protect one another by drawing together, or as Helen describes, assisting each other to escape his presence. For nurses who do not experience abuse outside their workplace, relationships of support and respect can potentially counter the effects of workplace dynamics of abuse. For nurses who are experiencing abuse in their relationship, however, the abuse dynamics may be echoed in their workplace and these women have no safe haven.