Nursing student evaluation of NIOSH workplace violence prevention for nurses online course.
As primary targets of workplace violence in health care settings, nurses may suffer negative physical and psychological consequences. NIOSH created an online course to educate nurses about violence prevention techniques.



A mixed-methods approach assessed workplace violence awareness and knowledge among nursing students. A pre/post/post-test survey and focus group discussions evaluated participant awareness and knowledge, assessed course design, and solicited recommendations for increasing participation and strategies for improving message retention.



The mean awareness scores differed significantly between pre-course and both post-course time points (Wilk's λ=0.319, F(2, 46)=49.01, p<0.001). Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that course participation increased awareness of workplace violence from pre-course scores (M=0.75, SD=0.438) to immediate post-course (M=2.13, SD=0.789) and four-week post-course (M=1.96, SD=0.771) scores on a 3-item measure. Similarly, mean knowledge scores increased between pre-course and both post-course time points (Wilk's λ=0.495, F(1.57, 73.66)=37.26, p<0.001). Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that course participation increased knowledge of workplace violence from pre-course scores (M=6.65, SD=1.45) to immediate post-course (M=8.56, SD=1.32) and four-week post-course (M=8.19, SD=1.42) scores on a 10-item measure. Qualitative data from the focus groups reinforced the quantitative findings. Participants citing benefits from the content strongly recommended including the course in nursing curriculums. Incorporating the course early in the nursing educational experience will better prepare students to deal with workplace violence when they enter health care professions.



The results indicate that NIOSH and its partners created an effective online workplace violence awareness and prevention course. Practical applications: Nursing students and professionals can be effectively educated about workplace violence using an online format.
Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University-Purdue University, 425 University Blvd., CA 309, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States; Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States. Electronic address: mabrann@iupui.edu.
Maria
M
Brann
NIOSH, 1095 Willowdale Rd., MS1811, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States. Electronic address: dsh3@cdc.gov.
Dan
D
Hartley
D001364:Awareness; D020375:Education, Distance; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D009314:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; D013338:Students, Nursing; D014481:United States; D064450:Workplace Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology
Health care; Nonfatal injuries; Online training; Physical and verbal assaults; Workplace violence