title: Coping Strategies of Neurology Nurses Experiencing Abuse From Patients and Families.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to assess incidence of verbal and physical abuse of neurology nurses, identify their coping strategies, and explore relationships between demographic characteristics, incidence, and coping strategies.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A 2011 U.S. Department of Justice survey found that average annual rates of nonfatal violent crime against nurses were greater than all occupations and identified nurses as having the highest percentage of workplace violence.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive, exploratory research design utilizing an online survey of 112 neurology nurses in the United States was used for this study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results identified the presence of verbal and physical abuse against neurology nurses, avoidance coping strategies utilized, and gender differences on types of violence and effects of abuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Administrative attention must address abuse of neurology nurses by patients and families and develop nursing practice that eliminates the use of avoidance as a way of dealing with this abuse.
authors.affiliation: Questions or comments about this article may be directed to Roy L. Trahan, PhD RN, at rltrahan@utmb.edu. He is an Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX. Sheryl L. Bishop, PhD, Professor, Nursing PhD Program, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX.
authors.forename: Roy L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Trahan
authors.forename: Sheryl L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bishop
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065816:Neuroscience Nursing; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010361:Patients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000066550:Physical Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D064450:Workplace Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data