Newly graduated nurses’ experiences of horizontal violence

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>Background:</jats:title><jats:p> 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. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Aim:</jats:title><jats:p> 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. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods:</jats:title><jats:p> 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. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Ethical considerations:</jats:title><jats:p> The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and the protocol was approved by the Institution Review Board. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results:</jats:title><jats:p> 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. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Discussion:</jats:title><jats:p> 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. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion:</jats:title><jats:p> Preventing horizontal violence is important for nurses’ professional and private well-being, for professional conduct and for the quality of care provided to patients. </jats:p></jats:sec>

Negative workplace behavior and coping strategies among nurses: A cross‐sectional study

“…Primary research and literature reviews have highlighted the endemic nature of negative workplace behavior within the nursing profession, identifying it as an international issue (Hartin, Birks, & Lindsay, 2019; Hawkins, Jeong, & Smith, 2019). Negative workplace behavior in nursing has been confirmed in various countries including Canada, the United States of America, Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Ireland, and Italy (Hawkins et al, 2019; Rosi, Contiguglia, Millama, & Rancati, 2020). Differences in definitions exist, and there are various terms used interchangeably to describe the phenomenon, including bullying, harassment, horizontal violence, and incivility (Hawkins et al, 2019; Vessey, Demarco, & Difazio, 2011; Pearson et al, 2001).…”

“…and Italy (Hawkins et al, 2019;Rosi, Contiguglia, Millama, & Rancati, 2020). Differences in definitions exist, and there are various terms used interchangeably to describe the phenomenon, including bullying, harassment, horizontal violence, and incivility (Hawkins et al, 2019;Vessey, Demarco, & Difazio, 2011;Pearson et al, 2001).…”

A qualitative systematic review on nurses’ experiences of workplace bullying and implications for nursing practice

“…Nurses described the culture of bullying in nursing as ‘militarized’ as they had to stay silent, do nothing, be compliant and just ‘suck it up and take it’ (Bouret, 2017; Simons & Sauer, 2013). Some victims felt the need to conform to bullying behaviours so as not to stand out and risk becoming a target of bullying (Hanks, 2017; Rosi et al, 2020). Such enculturation contributed to the vicious cycle of bullying in nursing (Mammen et al, 2018).…”

“…In some cases, patients’ safety was jeopardized when nurses were afraid to ask senior nurses for help or alert doctors to review their patients (Anusiewicz et al, 2020; McPherson & Buxton, 2019; Rueter, 2014). Some bullies intentionally withheld important clinical information or refused to help their colleagues in critical situations, thus compromising patient safety (Condie, 2016; Hanks, 2017; Rosi et al, 2020). Several new nurses revealed that they were often given unmanageable workload and were pressured by their preceptors or senior nurses to work faster, hence they had greater risk of making mistakes (Anusiewicz et al, 2020; Hanks, 2017).…”

Nurse‐to‐nurse horizontal violence in Chinese hospitals and the protective role of head nurse's caring and nurses' group behaviour on it: A cross‐sectional study

“…Horizontal violence (HV), a kind of interpersonal conflict, is a serious global problem in the nursing profession (Blair, 2013;Doo & Kim, 2020;Rosi et al, 2020). It affects all areas of nursing: For the victims, HV can result in low self-esteem, depression, self-hatred and feelings of powerlessness and even cause physical health problems;…”