Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Coping Strategies of Neurology Nurses Experiencing Abuse From Patients and Families
Roy L Trahan1, Sheryl L Bishop
1Questions or comments about this article may be directed to Roy L. Trahan, PhD RN, at rltrahan@utmb.edu. He is an Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX. Sheryl L. Bishop, PhD, Professor, Nursing PhD Program, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX.
Objective:
The objectives of this study were to assess incidence of verbal and physical abuse of neurology nurses, identify their coping strategies, and explore relationships between demographic characteristics, incidence, and coping strategies.
Background:
A 2011 U.S. Department of Justice survey found that average annual rates of nonfatal violent crime against nurses were greater than all occupations and identified nurses as having the highest percentage of workplace violence.
Methods:
A descriptive, exploratory research design utilizing an online survey of 112 neurology nurses in the United States was used for this study.
Results:
Results identified the presence of verbal and physical abuse against neurology nurses, avoidance coping strategies utilized, and gender differences on types of violence and effects of abuse.
Conclusions:
Administrative attention must address abuse of neurology nurses by patients and families and develop nursing practice that eliminates the use of avoidance as a way of dealing with this abuse.
Related Concept Videos
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II
Communication between nurses and...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
