Verbal abuse: a problem for pediatric nurses

This descriptive study investigated the experience of verbal abuse among a voluntary sample of registered pediatric nurses working in six hospitals in Eastern Ontario (N=35), over a six week period. Roy's Adaptation Model was used as the conceptual framework for this study. A questionnaire was used to ascertain the incidence, source, level of reporting, and personal and professional reactions of verbal abuse in this specific population. Analysis and treatment of data included descriptive statistics and Spearman Correlation tests. Pediatric nurses were the frequent victims of verbal abuse. Patients, parents/visitors, and physicians were equally ranked as the most common perpetrators. There was distinct lack of reporting of verbal abuse. Reasons reported included (a) the incident was not important enough, and (b) the situation was handled/resolved. An increase in stress level and decreased job morale were among the most frequently perceived personal and professional reactions of verbal abuse.