Page 107 - Petelin, Ana. 2024. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | Health of the Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik prispevkov z recenzijo | Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press

https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-397-5.107-116

Bullying and Mobbing in Nursing:
A Descriptive-Interpretative Analysis

Ajda Plos,Mirko Prosen ,Maša Černelič Bizjak 2
2
1
1 Health Education Center, Health Center, Grosuplje, Slovenia
2 University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia

Abstract

Introduction: The shortage of healthcare staff in Slovenia has been a topic
of debate for many years, which is being intensified by the ageing of the
population. Healthcare organisations are facing a shortage of nurses
and other nursing staff. The challenge is further compounded by an
unsupportive environment, often with bullying present. Negative acts of
bullying have a wide range of negative consequences for the victim and
those around them. Colleagues who witness bullying or mobbing may
also suffer because they may be unable or unwilling to defend the victim
against the attacker. Staff turnover brings not only financial problems
to an organization but also a reduction in the quality of work and
negative outcomes for those entering the health system. The aim of this
research is to gain an in-depth insight into the experience of workplace
bullying in nursing, and how nurses respond to negative acts of bullying.
Methods: Qualitative descriptive interpretive methods were employed
to collect data from nine nurses across all levels of healthcare through
semi-structured interviews. The data was then processed using thematic
analysis of qualitative data. Results: During the in-depth interview, the
interviewees provided detailed accounts of their personal experiences
with bullying and shared their perspectives on the issue. Five themes
emerged from the data analysis: (1) causes of bullying, (2) experiences of
bullying in the workplace, (3) characteristics of both perpetrators and
victims, (4) strategies for responding to and coping with bullying, and
(5) consequences of bullying. Discussion and conclusions: To improve
conditions in healthcare and reduce bullying, organisations need to
make changes such as explicitly respecting zero-tolerance policies,
educating staff, and investing in strengthening relationships within
teams.
Key words: nurses; perpetrator; victim; relationships; mobbing