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Disruptive, verbally abusive behavior is an issue that has a well-documented history within the healthcare setting and occurs both inter- and intra-professionally. These ineffective communication techniques are passed from one generation of nurses to the next. Over time this cycle of verbal abuse becomes ingrained into the nursing culture, negatively affecting nursing retention and job satisfaction. What is not known from reviewing the literature is the prevalence of verbal abuse when it is directed towards patients in the obstetrical setting. This phenomenon of verbally abusive behaviors was the basis of this study. The aim was to reveal contributing factors as to if and why this phenomenon occurs.
Methods:
A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to investigate the obstetrical Registered Nurse’s perception of these behaviors, by asking “How does the RN perceive her role in verbally abusive behavior directed towards obstetrical patients?” Participants were solicited within all three obstetrical departments of the institution of study (Labor and Delivery, Antepartum, and Postpartum), the perinatal listserv from the University of Buffalo, and various professional organizations on Facebook. Data was obtained using a synchronous, online chat interview process. A written informed consent was obtained prior to beginning the interview. Results were analyzed by employing the use of memoing, coding, and clustering the data into major themes for further discussion.
Results:
Eleven informants participated in the interview process. After analyzing the textural and the structural descriptions given by the participants, four themes of specific behaviors perpetrated by nurses were discovered central to the research question: inappropriate language is used; uncaring behaviors are demonstrated; stressful work and home environments contribute to verbally abusive behaviors; and nurses struggle to maintain power and control
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the structural and textural descriptive data obtained from the RN Perception Study, it is recommended that nurses become self-aware of their personal communications (both verbal and non-verbal) and demonstrate caring, altruistic behaviors. Organizations need to devise quality improvement programs aimed at cultivating professional communication efforts.