A REPUTIONAL RISK FOR THE PROFESSION: WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Authors: Tee, S., UZAR-OZCETIN, Y.S. and Erkan, M.
Conference: NETNEP 8th International Nurse Education Conference
Dates: 26-29 April 2020
Abstract:Aims and Objectives: This project aimed to identify the incidence of workplace violence experienced by Turkish student nurses, and to explore the implications and actions needed to reduce the incidence and impact.
Background: Workplace violence such as bullying toward nursing students has been recognized internationally as a significant cultural problem. In Turkey, where nurses reportedly face workplace violence commonly, it is under-reported and under-researched. For nurse educators in Turkey there is a need to understand the type and levels involved in order to reduce the incidence and identify strategies for improving resilience. Design: This study employed a cross-sectional design and received ethical approval.
Methods: Data were collected during May to December 2018 from 1216 nursing students consenting to participate using the student nurse data sheet and the workplace violence scale. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.
Results: The quality of the clinical workplace has a considerable impact on nursing students’ learning. This study revealed that bullying and other forms of WV affected more than half the student nurses surveyed. The most prevalent negative behaviors arose from nursing colleagues, who were often also the students’ supervisor. The types of WV ranged from verbal racist remarks or being shouted at, to kicking or unwanted requests for intimate physical contact.
Conclusions: The findings from this study add to the evidence that workplace violence toward nursing students is a daily occurrence, is underreported and is a cultural aberration across the profession. Having an understanding of student nurses’ experiences of WV and its physical and psychological impact, can provide important indicators for mitigating the risks. Early interventions for supporting students reporting will help build a culture that prevents such acts, during clinical placement, and help to ensure students can learn in safe and supportive environments.
Source: Manual