Nursing students' experiences of violence: A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the nature of violence experienced by nursing students, both in their private lives and during their work in clinical practice. In addition, we assessed factors that contributed to violence occurring during clinical practice. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 1200 nursing students and used to collect personal characteristics of students and their experience with violence. Results: Results showed that student nurses were exposed to multiple types of violence during their private and professional life. Students most commonly experienced verbal aggression. Verbal and physical assaults that occurred during clinical practice were mostly from patients and their relatives. Following an assault, nursing students experienced emotional difficulties including anger, fear, and anxiety. In addition, students felt unsafe working at psychiatric clinics. Furthermore, students who were abused in their private life also reported greater exposure to violence during clinical practice. Conclusion: The current findings show that student nurses are often exposed to violence and urgent preventions are needed. With this in mind, violence management and coping strategies should be included in the nursing curriculum. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]