Novice nurses’ experiences of workplace bullying behavior in China: a descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Workplace bullying (WPB) is a severe and prevalent issue in nursing, with detrimental effects on nurses’ health and job performance, contributing to burnout and turnover. Novice nurses (with 6 months to 3 years of clinical experience) may face serious WPB, posing a significant threat to nurse retention and the sustainability of the healthcare workforce, especially in contexts like China with a high proportion of novice nurses and growing healthcare demands. Cultural factors may shape unique WPB experiences, yet qualitative insights from the nurses’ perspectives within the Chinese context are limited. Aims: This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experiences of WPB among novice nurses in China, focusing on its manifestations, underlying causes, consequences, and the coping strategies employed by the nurses. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted between July 2024 and January 2025 at a national regional medical center in China. Seventeen novice nurses who had experienced WPB were recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results: Four main themes and thirteen sub-themes emerged: (i) Manifestations of WPB (disrespectful language, perceived unfairness); (ii) Causes of WPB (indulgences of hierarchical organizational culture, the fragility of novice nurses, and gaps between skills and expectations); (iii) Consequences of WPB, encompassing both negative impacts (emotional deprivation, ferocious secondary trauma, burnout/turnover intention) and positive outcomes (reflective and post-traumatic professional growth); and (iv) Coping Strategies (sharing, hiding/accepting, or ignoring WPB stories). Conclusions: WPB significantly impacts novice nurses' mental health and career development in China. The findings reveal the complex interplay of hierarchical culture and individual vulnerability. To address this issue, a multi-level support framework is recommended (e.g. empowering novice nurses individually, implementing organizational reforms, integrating effective transition programs), thereby fostering a supportive, bullying-free environment. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.