The Impact of Resilience on Workplace Violence Experienced by Mental Health Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background. Violence at work against healthcare professionals is a frequent and pervasive problem. There are growing data that indicate nurses are especially susceptible to experiencing violent acts at work. Resilience helps strengthen nursing competency in the proper management of stressful circumstances, like being exposed to workplace violence. Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of resilience on workplace violence among mental health nurses. Method. A cross-sectional research design was used to conduct this study with a convenience sample of 361 nurses recruited from a governmental psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia. Tools. Data were collected using two tools: the first tool was the workplace violence questionnaire, which collected nurses’ demographic, job, and workplace violence data, and the second was the resilience at work scale to assess nurses’ resilience. Results. This survey found that 70.4% of nurses experienced workplace violence in the last year, and fewer than half were resilient at work. Close to one-third (33.5%) of nurses were terrified and confused after workplace violence. The most violent repercussions were psychological (46.8%): dread, tension, and worry. Additionally, 48.8% of nurses exhibited high work resilience. Conclusion. A considerable percentage of mental health nurses encountered instances of violence during the provision of care inside mental health hospital settings. The variables of nationality (non-Saudi nurses), rotating work shift, educational levels, and exhibiting a lower level of resilience were found to have a statistically significant correlation with instances of workplace violence. Recommendation. Training programs and educational initiatives should be developed and implemented to equip nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to and prevent workplace violence incidents. By providing comprehensive training, healthcare organizations can empower nurses to address and mitigate workplace violence, ultimately creating a safer and more supportive work environment.