Nurse Bullying: Impact on Nurses’ Health

Abstract

Workplace bullying has been experienced by 27% to 80% of nurses who have participated in studies. Bullying behaviors negatively impact the health of nurses. This study examined whether nurses’ resilience had an impact on the effects of bullying on the nurse’s health. This cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed licensed registered nurses in one state. The sample (N = 345) was predominately female (89%) and Caucasian (84%), with an average age of 46.6 years. In this sample, 40% of nurses were bullied. Higher incidence of bullying was associated with lower physical health scores (p = .002) and lower mental health scores (p = .036). Nurses who are bullied at work experience lower physical and mental health, which can decrease the nurses’ quality of life and impede their ability to deliver safe, effective patient care.

Keywords

bullying mental health resilience psychological distress physical health

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