Abstract
Introduction: The present study aims to understand the experiences and characteristics of nurses caring for patients with mental disorders characterized by aggressive behavior. Aim: The study aimed to understand and interpret the physical and psychological experiences and positive and negative aspects associated with nursing practices of patients with anger and aggressive behavior. Method: The participants of this study were twelve nurses with over three years of experience working in a mental hospital. More specifically, all our participants had experience caring for psychiatric patients with anger and aggressive behavior. The collected data were analyzed using the phenomenological analysis method and the procedure proposed by Colaizzi (1978). Result: The nurses’ experience was described in five categories: “fear of violence”, “exposure to a poor working environment”, “difficulty of emotional control”, “career regrets”, and “finding a solution to violence.” Discussion: The hospital should encourage and provide training sessions to teach nurses how to use proper intervention technique regarding medication and seclusion. Implications: The results of the present study suggest the need for ongoing hospital support and program development, intervention studies, and improvement of the work environment to resolve the burden of mental and physical difficulties experienced by psychiatric nurses.
Highlights
The present study aims to understand the experiences and characteristics of nurses caring for patients with mental disorders characterized by aggressive behavior
The study aimed to understand and interpret the physical and psychological experiences and positive and negative aspects associated with nursing practices of patients with anger and aggressive behavior
The results showed that the experiences of nurses could be placed in five categories: “fear of violence”, “exposure to a poor working environment”, “difficulty with emotional control”, “feelings of betrayal and skepticism”, and “strengthening capacity to cope with violence.”
Summary
The present study aims to understand the experiences and characteristics of nurses caring for patients with mental disorders characterized by aggressive behavior. Aim: The study aimed to understand and interpret the physical and psychological experiences and positive and negative aspects associated with nursing practices of patients with anger and aggressive behavior. The national strategy of hospitalizing patients who exhibit aggressive and angry behavior has led to a surge in their numbers due to the social policy that allows the hospitalization of patients at a family member’s request [2]. Anger and aggressive behaviors in mentally ill patients can be both sudden and unpredictable and can be directed at other patients and clinicians, thereby harming the health system environment [4]. Preventing acts of violence, such as anger and aggression, is essential; above all, prompt action from a properly trained nurse during the early stages of patient behavior can be a treatment turning point [5,6]
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