Experience of Workplace Violence Toward Nursing Students in Iran: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background and Aims: This study explores the dimensions of violence experienced by student nurses in Iran, during their nurse education. The incidence of violence toward students has become a major concern and strategies are needed to reduce the incidence. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. Participants were 7 male and 9 female third-year undergraduates nursing student. Purposive sampling was used and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: From the qualitative data, five categories emerged including, instances of violence, causes of violence, feelings after the violence, reaction after violence and violence prevention strategies. Conclusion: Nursing students need to be taught preventive measures and to receive appropriate support from nurses, instructors, and educational managers, in order to reduce the incidence and provide safer learning environments. Forensic nurses should be active stakeholders in monitoring, supporting and referring nursing students who experience workplace violence. Keywords: Violence, Nursing, Students, Qualitative, Forensic.