Consultant offers leaders guidance on handling sexual harassment
In an with HealthLeaders Media, consultant Kate Fenner, PhD, RN, said the public focus on sexual harassment makes it 鈥渋mperative that executives lead their organizations on this pressing issue.鈥 In her view, hospitals must put clear policies and procedures in place; educate staff, management and board members about harassment; and respond quickly and firmly when harassment occurs. She also recommended having multiple levels of response鈥攆rom counseling to termination鈥攂ased on the severity of the incident. 鈥淭he punishment needs to fit the crime,鈥 she said. Ultimately, she stated, institutions must be able to say,鈥漑A] safe and respectful work environment is as important to us as safe and respectful patient care." (HealthLeaders Media , 11/8/19)