Background: Horizontal violence, defined in the literature as ‘interpersonal conflict between two nurses at the same hierarchical levels in organizations’, often associated with bullying, affects the well-being of nurses, care recipients and the professional image of nursing and the organization due to increased turnover. One in every three newly graduated nurses is a victim of horizontal violence, although they do not always know how to define it. Aim: To investigate the direct and indirect experiences of horizontal violence in newly graduated nurses as well as to shed light on the phenomenon, on its awareness and recognition. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between September and October 2018 with newly graduated nurses, with a work experience ranging between 6 months and 3 years. The interviews were conducted face-to-face, consisting of a first open general question, followed by semi-structured questions. Ethical considerations: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and the protocol was approved by the Institution Review Board. Results: From the analysis of the interviews of the 21 participants, four main themes were identified: the ‘enemies’, that is those who exercised violence, the ‘weapons’ used by them to exercise violence, the ‘effects’ and the types of ‘armor’ identified to protect themselves. Discussion: Horizontal violence is rarely recognized by newly graduated nurses, even though our sample had directly or indirectly experienced horizontal violence. Tackling the phenomenon starting from the undergraduate degree courses, focusing on effective support and more protection by the organization leaders were the silent requests that emerged from this study. Conclusion: Preventing horizontal violence is important for nurses’ professional and private well-being, for professional conduct and for the quality of care provided to patients.

This study aimed to investigate and understand the experiences and feelings lived by people with an ICD. Qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 16 patients, during the annual follow-up. A hermeneutical analysis of the interviews was carried out to identify the themes. Four main themes were classified: “My heart falls asleep,” highlighting a reduced awareness of the pathology and ICD installation; “But what is this thing. . .?” underlining the lack of information and fears related to the device and its functioning; “I cannot hug the microwave” which describes the changes brought about by the surgery; “And with this one I am alright for the rest of my life”, involving hopes and life expectations. This study highlighted the patients’ need for major support from health professionals while processing their new life conditions.