Physical violence in the workplace among Jordanian hospital nurses

Abstract

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.