Perioperative nurses and sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is widespread in health care. Recent Australian research reveals this type of abuse is a significant cause of stress among perioperative nurses. This article investigates the nature and effects of sexual harassment of RNs in the OR. Specifically it explores the nature of sexual harassment, its occurrence in nursing generally and among perioperative nurses in particular, gender issues, effects, costs, and legal aspects. The article concludes with strategies that can be employed by individual nurses and organizations to combat sexual harassment.