Citation

Snellgrove S, Beck C, Green A, McSweeney JC. Gerontologist 2015; 55(Suppl 1): S99-S107.

Affiliation

College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/geront/gnu161

PMID

26055786

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Resident-to-resident violence (RRV) in nursing homes (NHs) is common and threatens the safety and quality of life of both residents and caregivers. The purpose of this portion of a larger qualitative study was to explore strategies developed by certified nurses' assistants (CNAs) to prevent and manage RRV in NHs. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed utilizing content analysis and constant comparison.

RESULTS: Analysis revealed one overriding theme, "Putting Residents First" which the CNAs described as a conscious effort to put themselves or a beloved family member in the place of the resident while administering care. Within this theme, there were three related subthemes: (a) Knowing the Residents, (b) Keeping Residents Safe, and (c) Spending Quality Time. IMPLICATIONS: Together, these themes suggest that the formulation of strategies for decreasing and managing RRV was influenced significantly by the ability of the CNAs to empathize with the residents for whom they were caring. The results indicate that in the absence of evidence-based interventions, CNAs have developed their own strategies for the management and prevention of RRV. These strategies may provide a foundation for the development and testing of interventions aimed at preventing and managing RRV in NHs.

Language: en