Witnessing violence: What are the experiences of mental health nurses?

Abstract

British psychiatric nurses are ten times more likely to be assaulted than general nurses. Research on this is increasing but evidence on the effects of violence on staff witnesses is lacking. Ten semi-structured interviews with witnesses were conducted. Analysis demonstrated in addition to the known effects on those who experience assault: anger, fear and guilt; they were left seeking resolution on five identified themes relating to personal and professional conflict. They were drawn towards informal forums for support, reinforcing perceptions of management as uncaring. Further research into psychiatric nurses’ lived experience of debrief and support in the workplace is needed.