Words can hurt. Dealing with verbal abuse in the operating room.

There are rewards for nurse administrators who challenge organizational norms and physician behaviors to support nurses. We found that the term verbal abuse had sparked anger and fear. The spark kindled interest and energy that we converted into a process to support staff nurses in their roles. As we enter the 1990s, the focus is on finding solutions to problems that concern nurses. The advocacy role of the nursing leader requires constant awareness of the nurses' situation within the health care environment and a sensitivity to their needs and rights as professionals. Dealing with the issue of verbal abuse demonstrated to the nursing staff our commitment and support.