Workplace Violence Experiences Among Nurse Educators in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

backgroundOver the past decade, few studies have explored workplace violence (WPV) in nursing education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Understanding nurse educators' experiences of WPV is critical to craft effective and efficient interventions. The study explores nurse educators' experiences with WPV across multiple nursing educational settings in Saudi Arabia.

methodsTwenty-five nurse educators were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide at various nursing schools (colleges and universities) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The COREQ criteria were followed to report the qualitative findings of participants' narratives.

resultThree themes were generated based on educators' experiences of WPV: (1) the workplace violence aggression; (2) the keys to successful adaptation; and (3) the recommendations for the future. A lack of awareness about the nature of WPV is the primary reason for its presence in academic settings. Awareness campaigns are needed to promote active engagement and sustainable actions to combat and prevent it in nursing education facilities in Saudi Arabia. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The findings of this research would serve as a catalyst for nursing advocates, experts, and academic leaders to develop innovative approaches to eliminating or reducing WPV recurrence, such as strong preventive policies and responsive actions, confidential reporting, clear anti-WPV protocols, simulation-based training, leadership accountability, improved peer and mental health support, and ongoing monitoring systems. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. Nurse educators participated as interviewees.