Psychological violence in the workplace among Jordanian hospital nurses.

PURPOSE: The purposes of the study are to (a) assess the incidence and frequency of psychological violence (verbal abuse) among Jordanian hospital nurses, (b) explore the complaints and the reactions of nurses to such violence, and (c) identify the factors that contribute to workplace violence and the management modalities from the Jordanian nurses' point of view. DESIGN: A descriptive survey was used to investigate verbal abuse among a convenience sample of 422 Jordanian nurses. The Questionnaire of Workplace Violence, which was developed in 2003 by the International Labor office, International Council of Nurses, World Health Organization, and Public Services International, was used to collect the data. RESULTS: The findings indicated that almost 70% of participants was exposed to verbal abuse in the workplace. Patients' families were the main perpetrators of these incidents. The contributing factors to psychological violence as perceived by participants were related to administration, staff, patients and their families, workplace setting, and security. The majority of participants indicated that their employers had no polices against psychological workplace violence. IMPLICATIONS: Helpful strategies for reducing psychological violence include implementing security measures, restricting public access, and maintaining adequate staffing.

Physical violence in the workplace among Jordanian hospital nurses.

PURPOSE: Lack of policies and assertive legislation on workplace violence has placed Jordanian nurses at frequent risk for workplace violence. The purposes of this research were to (a) investigate the level of physical violence and the complaints and responses of Jordanian hospital nurses to such violence and (b) describe workplace policies that deal with violence and recommend policy directions. DESIGN: A descriptive exploratory survey was used to investigate physical workplace violence among a convenience sample of 420 Jordanian nurses. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire that was developed in 2003 by the International Labour Organization, International Council of Nurses, World Health Organization, and Public Services International. RESULTS: The findings indicated that 22.5% of the participants were exposed to physical workplace violence. The contributing factors as indicated by the participants were related to the administration, staff, security, patients and families, and the public. DISCUSSION: Participants who had experienced workplace violence were very dissatisfied with the manner in which the incidents were handled. IMPLICATIONS: It is important to investigate consequences of workplace violence on the satisfaction of employees and the quality of heath care service. Instituting appropriate policies and legislation would minimize workplace violence.