Work Experience and Anger Management in Nurses: Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Benner's Novice to Expert Theory

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Nursing is emotionally demanding, with unmanaged anger impacting patient care and teamwork.
• The link between clinical experience and nurses' emotional regulation, specifically anger management, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if nurses' work experience predicts their anger management abilities.
• Utilized Benner's Novice to Expert Theory as a theoretical framework.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 265 nurses in Kermanshah, Iran.
• Data collected via demographic questionnaire and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2.
• Statistical analysis included correlation, t tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• No significant correlation found between work experience and anger management (r=-0.079, P=.18).
• Shift type and job security significantly predicted anger regulation, irrespective of experience.
• Nurses with more experience showed only slightly higher anger control scores.

Conclusions:

• Work experience alone does not guarantee enhanced anger management in nurses.
• Organizational factors like shift scheduling and job stability play a more significant role in emotional regulation.
• Healthcare institutions should offer structured support and stress management training, particularly for novice nurses.