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. 2025 Apr 5;25(1):51.
doi: 10.1186/s12873-025-01210-2.

The relationship between workplace bullying and job stress among nurses working in emergency departments: a cross-sectional study

Neda Javaheri  1 , Nazila Oliaei  2 , Fatemeh Rafiei  3 , Mokhtar Mahmoudi  4
Affiliations

The relationship between workplace bullying and job stress among nurses working in emergency departments: a cross-sectional study

Neda Javaheri et al. BMC Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace bullying among nurses working in emergency departments is a serious issue that can significantly impact their job stress levels. One of the most important sources of stress in every person's life is their job. This study aimed to determine the relationship between workplace bullying and job stress among nurses in emergency departments.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency departments of hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2023 in Iran. A total of 211 nurses were selected based on inclusion criteria using a census method. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the Negative Acts Questionnaire for workplace bullying, and the Nursing Job Stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (P < 0.05).

Findings: The findings showed that the mean scores for job stress and workplace bullying in nurses were 127.87 ± 34.30 and 56.47 ± 21.58, respectively, both at moderate levels. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant relationship between nurses' job stress in all dimensions and workplace bullying (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the average levels of bullying in the work environment and occupational stress of nurses and the existence of a significant statistical relationship between these two variables, the results of this research can help nursing managers to plan effectively to reduce bullying in the workplace and occupational stress of nurses.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Keywords: Bullying; Emergency services; Hospital; Nurses; Occupational stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. All experiments were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations related to the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethics approval and informed consent to participate: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences has granted approval for this study. The IRB adheres to the provisions of the Helsinki Declaration. The Ethics Committee at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences has also approved this study, and the ethical approval number (IR.MUK.REC.1402.156) has been obtained. This committee follows the ethical principles set forth in the Helsinki Declaration. We confirm that informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardians. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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