Female caregivers' experiences of exposure to violence in nursing homes

Although earlier studies have examined caregivers' experiences of exposure to violence, few have investigated female caregivers working in nursing homes with a specific focus on experiences throughout the entire scenario of a violent situation. This study illuminates female caregivers' exp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing 2009-02, Vol.16 (1), p.46-53
Main Authors: ISAKSSON, U., GRANEHEIM, U. H., ÅSTRÖM, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
caregiver
Caregivers - psychology
elderly care
experiences
Female
Humans
Internal-External Control
Middle Aged
Narration
Nurses' Aides - organization & administration
Nurses' Aides - psychology
nursing home
Nursing Homes - organization & administration
Nursing Methodology Research
Nursing Staff - organization & administration
Nursing Staff - psychology
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Occupational Exposure - statistics & numerical data
Qualitative Research
Self Efficacy
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sweden
violence
Violence - psychology
Violence - statistics & numerical data
Women, Working - psychology
Workplace - organization & administration
Workplace - psychology
Young Adult
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Summary:Although earlier studies have examined caregivers' experiences of exposure to violence, few have investigated female caregivers working in nursing homes with a specific focus on experiences throughout the entire scenario of a violent situation. This study illuminates female caregivers' experiences of being exposed to violence in nursing homes. Twenty caregivers working in three nursing homes located in northern Sweden were asked to narrate about a situation in which they had been exposed to violence. Their narratives were analysed by using qualitative content analysis. We found that the caregivers had preconceived ideas about violent behaviour, that they experienced a loss of control over the situation, and that they then strove to regain control. Experiences such as these may influence caregivers' interactions with residents who display violent behaviour. As a result of violent interactions, caregivers may distance themselves from the residents, an attitude that may decrease the quality of care. There is a risk that violence in nursing homes is accepted and normalized as a part of the job and hence persists.
ISSN:1351-0126
1365-2850
1365-2850
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2008.01328.x