The Experiences of Nurse Managers and Staff Nurses on the Prevention and Management of Workplace Violence in Psychiatric Settings: A Qualitative Study

Background As of today, workplace violence (WPV) prevention and management in psychiatric settings remains unexplored, particularly within the nursing sector of Middle Eastern countries like Jordan. Aim This research investigates firsthand experiences among a sample of nurse managers and staff in Jordanian psychiatric hospitals regarding the prevention and management of WPV. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was implemented through semi-structured, single, in-person interviews with a purposive sample of 25 psychiatric nurses (9 nurse managers and 16 staff nurses). Having audible recordings of each interview, the narrative data were transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step method. Results A total of three major themes were identified: Nurse Managers' Leadership and Management Challenges with the Prevention and Management of WPV, Trying to Develop a Sense of Normality with WPV as Nurse Staff, and lastly, Nurse Managers' and Staff Nurses' Advice for New Nurses. Conclusion The findings indicate an urgent need to improve WPV prevention and management among psychiatric nurses. This may be executed by designing and implementing hands-on educational workshops among nurses in psychiatric settings, aimed at promoting a safe, healthy, and caring work environment. Further studies and prevention interventions are also recommended to reduce WPV and its severity in such environments. In addition, psychiatric nurses need encouragement to actively engage and participate in preventive measures and management interventions regarding WPV.