The relationship between perceived competence and perceived workplace bullying among registered nurses: A cross sectional survey

• Published in: International journal of nursing studies 2018-12, Vol.88, p.71-78
• Main Authors: Obeidat, Rana F., Qan’ir, Yousef, Turaani, Hassan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bullying; Competence; Cross-sectional studies; Emotional abuse; Health facilities; Jordanian; Negative acts; Nurses; Nursing; Patients; Perceptions; Private hospitals; Professional relationships; Quality of care; Regression analysis; Safety measures; Victims; Work environment; Workplace abuse; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0020-7489; 1873-491X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.08.012

Workplace bullying is one of the most prevalent work-related psychological and physical issues in health care facilities. Workplace bullying has detrimental effects not only on the bullied person/persons but also on health care facilities and care quality and patient safety. To examine the prevalence of workplace bullying and the relationship between workplace bullying and perceived competence among Jordanian registered nurses working in private hospitals A cross-sectional survey study. Data were collected from registered nurses working in seven private hospitals in the Capital of Amman. Participants were 269 registered nurses who had a minimum of a bachelor degree, passed the hospital's competency nursing examinations, able to read and understand English, and were able and willing to complete the survey. The Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised, and Nurse Professional Competence scale were used for data collection. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess predictors of greater reporting of perceived workplace bullying. Almost 43% of the participants perceived themselves to be victims of severe workplace bullying while more than 31% perceived themselves to be victims of occasional workplace bullying. Person-related bullying was the most frequently reported type of workplace bullying followed by work-related bullying. Age, gender, and sum score on Nurse Professional Competence scale explained significant amount of variance in perceived workplace bullying. The majority of Jordanian nurses working in private hospitals perceive themselves as victims of either occasional or severe workplace bullying. Amongst all related variables, perceived competence is the most significant predictor of perceived workplace bullying.