Workplace Prejudice Toward Nurses (WPtN): Scale Development and Validation

Measuring and understanding experiences of workplace prejudice faced by underrepresented nurses comprise a first step toward workplace equality and enhanced morale and retention. With no existing instruments to measure prejudice directed toward nurses, the primary goal of the current study was to report the results and validation of the newly developed Workplace Prejudice toward Nurses (WPtN) scale. Participants (1692 nurses, 65% whom identified as an underrepresented racial or ethnic group) completed an online survey assessing WPtN. Participants reported on the types and frequency of WPtN they experienced, who directed the prejudice toward them, and the impact it caused on their job satisfaction and retention. Results supported the fit of a 1-factor model assessing general workplace prejudice, and 4-factor model comprising WPtN directed from different groups (ie, patients, their family members, coworkers, and administrators). More than one-third (34%) of participants reported experiencing WPtN. Those reporting WPtN indicated this prejudice was directed toward them from patients (45%), family members (41%), coworkers (42%), and administrators (14%). Experiencing WPtN negatively impacted job satisfaction and retention. Together, findings indicate that the WPtN scale is a reliable measure of WPtN of underrepresented backgrounds. The development of this tool is an important step to combating prejudiced behavior and attitudes, which can often be covert and difficult to validate.