Northeastern Ontario nurses' perceptions of violence in acute care settings

Abstract

The incidence of workplace violence (WPV) is increasing and has become a worldwide concern. This is particularly true among medical workers, especially nurses, who are at a high risk of exposure, as they are the first and closest contact with patients. The Ontario Council of Hospital Unions and the Ontario division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees conducted a survey in Northeastern Ontario in 2019 and found that 96% of personal support workers and registered practical nurses experienced physical violence while working. This was 8% higher than the provincial average. This study explores Northeastern Ontario nurses’ perceptions of violence in an acute-care setting through two research questions: What are Northeastern Ontario nurses’ perceptions of violence and challenges to preventing violence? What improvements or changes are needed to reduce or prevent WPV? This study uses Sally Thorne’s (2016) interpretive description qualitative methodology guided by the Haddon matrix conceptual framework of WPV. Registered nurses (n = 14) participated in one of three virtual focus groups from three patient care units. The overarching theme, nurses surviving violence in acute-care settings, is supported by three key themes: nurses’ different perceptions and levels of threshold of violence, nurses in jeopardy, and changes needed to the status quo. The findings indicate that violence against nurses occurs daily and should never be justified. Education, training, and supports involving hospital staff, the local police department, the community, and the public are crucial to preventing WPV.