What is the appropriate action to take when a nurse experiences harassment?

• A. Ignore the Behavior
• B. Resign Immediately
• C. Report Incidents, Seek Protection, and Document Evidence
• D. Take No Action

Answer: (C)

When harassment happens in the workplace, the priority is to ensure safety and address the behavior through formal, documented channels. Reporting incidents, seeking protection, and documenting evidence is the best approach because it activates the organization’s policies and protections, creates a clear record for investigation, and helps prevent the behavior from continuing or escalating.

Reporting incidents starts the process of accountability. It signals that the behavior is not tolerated and triggers formal reviews by supervisors, human resources, risk management, or the appropriate safety or ethics channels. Seeking protection is about ensuring you have support and safety measures in place, such as security assistance, temporary adjustments to duties or assignments, and, when necessary, protective steps to reduce risk. Documenting evidence provides a concrete, chronological record of what happened, including dates, times, locations, what was said or done, who was involved, and any witnesses or supporting materials (emails, texts, photos). This documentation is essential for any investigation and for supporting ongoing workplace protections and any potential legal actions.

If there is an immediate threat or danger, leave the area and seek security or emergency assistance. After that, follow the organization’s formal reporting routes and use available protections, such as HR, risk management, or a confidential hotline. Remember that retaliation for reporting harassment is itself a serious concern, so know and use any whistleblower protections and support resources, including employee assistance programs or unions if applicable.

Choosing to ignore the behavior, resign, or take no action leaves the nurse at risk and allows harassment to persist or worsen, undermining safety and professional integrity. The responsible path is to act through formal channels, protect yourself, and document what occurred.