The effects of workplace violence on nursing students from the perspectives of clinical facilitators or preceptors

Abstract

Background

Violence is well documented in the nursing profession and is compounded by an increasing incidence of workplace violence towards nursing students. Poor clinical experiences where violence is witnessed or experienced have long-term consequences for both the student and the profession.

Purpose

This study aimed to ascertain clinical facilitators' perceptions about the impact of workplace violence on nursing students during their clinical placements.

Methods

Phenomenology guided qualitative research methods were used in this study. Eleven clinical facilitators employed in various South Australian healthcare settings were interviewed, and the qualitative data was transcribed and thematically analysed manually assisted by NVivo 12 software.

Results

Three major themes emerged from the data: Academic and future career impacts, Impact on personal life, and mental and physical health. Clinical facilitators described how baccalaureate nursing students feared for their emotional, mental and physical safety, questioned their career choices and described the impact of violent experiences on their personal lives.

Conclusion

Clinical facilitators were often unable to prevent such experiences from happening to nursing students and, at times, felt unprepared or inadequately supported by universities. A combined University and healthcare facility approach that prepares, manages, supports and reduces the incidence of workplace violence for nursing students and clinical facilitators is urgently required to safeguard the mental, physical and emotional health of student nurses and clinical facilitators.