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Verbal abuse: a problem for pediatric nurses.
1School of Community and Liberal Studies, Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Pediatric Nursing
|October 19, 2005
Summary
Pediatric nurses frequently experience verbal abuse from patients, parents, and physicians. Most incidents go unreported due to perceived insignificance or resolution, leading to increased stress and decreased job morale.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Professional Well-being
- Workplace Violence
Background:
- Verbal abuse is a recognized issue in healthcare settings.
- Understanding the experiences of pediatric nurses is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, sources, reporting, and reactions to verbal abuse among pediatric nurses.
- To utilize Roy's Adaptation Model as a framework for understanding these experiences.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study design.
- Voluntary sample of 35 registered pediatric nurses from six Eastern Ontario hospitals.
- Data collected via questionnaire over a six-week period.
- Descriptive statistics and Spearman Correlation tests for analysis.
Main Results:
- Pediatric nurses frequently experienced verbal abuse.
- Patients, parents/visitors, and physicians were identified as common perpetrators.
- A significant lack of reporting was observed, with nurses citing insignificance or resolution as reasons.
- Increased stress levels and decreased job morale were commonly reported reactions.
Conclusions:
- Verbal abuse is a prevalent issue affecting pediatric nurses' well-being and job satisfaction.
- The underreporting of incidents highlights a need for improved support systems and reporting mechanisms.
- Addressing workplace violence is essential for maintaining a healthy nursing workforce.