Citation

Johnson SL, Rea RE. J. Nurs. Adm. 2009; 39(2): 84-90.

Affiliation

Nursing Program, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. slj6@u.washington.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NNA.0b013e318195a5fc

PMID

19190425

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences with and characteristics related to workplace bullying. BACKGROUND: Although the concept of workplace bullying is gaining attention, few studies have examined workplace bullying among nurses. METHODS: This was a descriptive study using a convenience sample of 249 members of the Washington State Emergency Nurses Association. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised was used to measure workplace bullying. RESULTS: Of the sample, 27.3% had experienced workplace bullying in the last 6 months. Most respondents who had been bullied stated that they were bullied by their managers/directors or charge nurses. Workplace bullying was significantly associated with intent to leave one's current job and nursing. CONCLUSION: In seeking remedies to the problem of workplace bullying, nurse leaders need to focus on why this bullying occurs and on ways to reduce its occurrence. This is a critical issue, since it is linked with nurse attrition.

Language: en