title: Psychological Distress and Workplace Bullying Among Registered Nurses
abstract: Workplace bullying (WPB) behaviors are pervasive in some healthcare organizations leading to difficult work environments for registered nurses. We conducted an exploratory quantitative dominant (QUANT/qual) mixed method design study to determine the differences in respondents in three Midwestern states on psychological distress symptoms using WPB exposure levels and select nurse characteristics. This article discusses background information and WPB consequences. We report on the study purpose, methods, and Phase I qualitative results, including significant differences with perceived stress, anxiety, and posttraumatic symptoms reported by persons with frequent to daily WPB behavior exposure. The discussion section considers significant differences found between respondents related to age and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Narrative analysis on strategies used after bullying also illuminates the discussion. Finally, we examine implications for nurse leaders and empowerment of their direct reports to resolve minor interpersonal conflicts and move swiftly to resolve escalating bullying.
authors.forename: Peggy Ann
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.forename: Gordon L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gillespie
authors.forename: Bonnie S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gormley
authors.forename: Jared T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Haynes
keywords: workplace violence; stress; anxiety; coping; retention; lateral aggression; bullying