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Saturday, October 31, 2009: 3:35 PM
Learning Objective 1: describe the prevalence and behaviors associated with horizontal violence among registered nurses within a healthcare system.
Learning Objective 2: discuss registered nurses recommendations for actions aimed at decreasing horizontal violence and improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of Study:
Horizontal violence, described as destructive behavior of nurses against each other, can have negative consequences for nurses, their patients, and their organizations. The purpose of this study was to explore the depth and breadth of horizontal violence among registered nurses within a multi-institutional hospital system.
Methodology:
The study was conducted using a mixed method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Quantitative data was collected using a descriptive, cross-sectional, researcher developed tool that participants were asked to respond to anonymously. Qualitative data was analyzed using frequency and central tendency and qualitative data was analyzed based on Van Manen’s procedural steps to identify emergent themes.
Sample & Setting:
This study was conducted at a multi-institution hospital system in the Midwestern US. Of the 227 registered nurses who responded to the study, the majority ranged in age from 46-55 years of age, had greater than 21 years of experience in nursing, and had been employed by the hospital system for less than 10 years. Participants were primarily female (N=208) and Caucasian (N=200).
Findings:
The findings revealed the presence of covert and overt horizontal violence among nurses in the workplace. The majority (N=157) of the participants reported that they had indeed personally experienced or participated in acts of maltreatment against their colleagues. When viewed collectively the following themes emerged from the qualitative data:
Theme 1: Impressions of Participation
Sub themes: (1) Lack of awareness, (2) Regret: Sadly caught up in the moment, (3) Justification
Theme 2: Covert and Overt Mal-treatment
Sub themes: (1) Aggressive behaviors, (2) Passive behaviors, (3) Preferential treatment by managers
Theme 3: Commitment to Positive Change in their Workplace
Sub themes: (1) Increased personal tolerance of others, (2) Decreased personal tolerance of destructive behavior in self and others, (3) Necessity of leadership involvement in process
Horizontal violence, described as destructive behavior of nurses against each other, can have negative consequences for nurses, their patients, and their organizations. The purpose of this study was to explore the depth and breadth of horizontal violence among registered nurses within a multi-institutional hospital system.
Methodology:
The study was conducted using a mixed method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Quantitative data was collected using a descriptive, cross-sectional, researcher developed tool that participants were asked to respond to anonymously. Qualitative data was analyzed using frequency and central tendency and qualitative data was analyzed based on Van Manen’s procedural steps to identify emergent themes.
Sample & Setting:
This study was conducted at a multi-institution hospital system in the Midwestern US. Of the 227 registered nurses who responded to the study, the majority ranged in age from 46-55 years of age, had greater than 21 years of experience in nursing, and had been employed by the hospital system for less than 10 years. Participants were primarily female (N=208) and Caucasian (N=200).
Findings:
The findings revealed the presence of covert and overt horizontal violence among nurses in the workplace. The majority (N=157) of the participants reported that they had indeed personally experienced or participated in acts of maltreatment against their colleagues. When viewed collectively the following themes emerged from the qualitative data:
Theme 1: Impressions of Participation
Sub themes: (1) Lack of awareness, (2) Regret: Sadly caught up in the moment, (3) Justification
Theme 2: Covert and Overt Mal-treatment
Sub themes: (1) Aggressive behaviors, (2) Passive behaviors, (3) Preferential treatment by managers
Theme 3: Commitment to Positive Change in their Workplace
Sub themes: (1) Increased personal tolerance of others, (2) Decreased personal tolerance of destructive behavior in self and others, (3) Necessity of leadership involvement in process