46_53 Patricia Gillen.indd

Aim. To define and examine the nature and manifestations of bullying in midwifery as experienced by a cohort of student midwives in the UK. Method. A self-administered survey questionnaire developed from the literature review and the findings of the concept analysis and administered to 400 student midwives. Findings. The findings report the existence of bullying in both the practice and to a lesser extent, the university settings and highlight the permissive culture that underpins this phenomenon. Half of the 164 student midwives who responded had either witnessed or experienced bullying. Most often the bully was a midwife or the mentor. However, university lecturers and personal tutors were also identified as bullies. Implications. It is imperative that awareness of bullying in the workplace is raised at all levels within the profession. Key stakeholders need to acknowledge the presence of bullying within the profession and seek ways to minimise its existence.