In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in healthcare settings around the world—workplace violence against nurses. As the backbone of healthcare systems, nurses provide essential care and support to patients. However, an unsettling proportion of these dedicated professionals find themselves on the receiving end of hostility and aggression. A scoping review conducted by Mahmoudi, Garmaroudi, Saniee, and colleagues delves deep into this critical issue, exploring the root causes of workplace violence against nurses and proposing strategies to combat this escalating problem.
Over the past decade, workplaces have evolved, emphasizing safety and well-being among employees. Nonetheless, nurses appear particularly vulnerable to violence—a paradox that raises significant concerns for health institutions. Understanding the factors contributing to this violence is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. The scoping review highlights numerous variables, including the high-stress environment nurses operate in, the emotional and physical strain of patient care, and the societal attitudes toward health professionals. Nurses often act as the frontline for patient needs, which can expose them to unpredictable and potentially violent situations.
One of the primary drivers of workplace violence against nurses is the increasing acuity of patient conditions, compounded by inadequate staffing. As hospitals strive to do more with less, the pressure mounts on nursing staff to deliver exceptional care under challenging circumstances. This dynamic can inadvertently manifest as anger towards nurses, particularly during high-stress situations when patients or their families feel helpless. The review underscores the notion that without appropriate staffing levels, nurses are not just overworked; they are placed in precarious situations that increase the likelihood of violent encounters.
Moreover, the review identifies a significant societal component that influences the treatment of nurses in the workplace. Cultural attitudes towards violence and aggression can normalize hostile behaviors as acceptable responses to frustration or disappointment within healthcare settings. This cultural framework perpetuates an environment where nurses may feel compelled to tolerate aggression instead of advocating for their own safety and well-being. The findings of this scoping review call for greater awareness and education regarding the acceptable treatment of all healthcare workers, particularly nurses who often navigate volatile interactions.
Furthermore, the impact of technology on nursing practice cannot be overlooked. As healthcare evolves, the integration of technology into patient care can inadvertently contribute to violence against nurses. For instance, while electronic health records and telehealth can improve efficiency, they can also create barriers to communication between healthcare providers and patients. Misunderstandings can erupt when patients feel their needs are not being adequately addressed, leading to frustration and, at times, violence. This highlights the importance of balancing technological advances with maintaining human connection in patient care.
To address these underlying causes of workplace violence, the review presents several promising strategies aimed at prevention. One pivotal recommendation is the establishment of comprehensive training programs that prepare nurses to handle potential violent situations. These programs can equip healthcare professionals with de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution skills, and mechanisms for reporting and addressing violence. Such training not only enhances nurse safety but empowers them to advocate for their rights and well-being in the workplace.
Another critical strategy emphasized in the scoping review is the development of supportive workplace policies that prioritize the safety of nursing staff. Implementing zero-tolerance policies towards violence in healthcare settings can send a clear message about what behaviors are unacceptable. Furthermore, involving nurses in the creation and enforcement of these policies fosters a culture of safety and respect. When staff feel their voices are heard, they are more likely to report incidents of violence and contribute to improving workplace culture.
Moreover, the review highlights the role of leadership in mitigating workplace violence. Nursing administrators must cultivate an environment that promotes psychological safety, encouraging staff to voice concerns without fear of repercussions. By actively engaging with nursing staff, administrators can identify potential risks and implement solutions that address the unique challenges nurses face in their roles. Effective leadership not only inspires confidence but establishes a shared commitment to providing a safe, respectful work environment.
In addition to organizational strategies, the promotion of mental health support for nurses is essential. The emotional toll of experiencing violence can have profound effects on a nurse’s mental well-being, leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and burnout. Establishing mental health resources—such as counseling services and peer-support groups—can help nurses process their experiences and seek assistance when needed. Fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized can ultimately lead to a healthier, more resilient nursing workforce.
As a broader societal concern, addressing workplace violence against nurses requires a multi-faceted approach. Community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and legislative advocacy are all necessary in shifting societal attitudes toward violence in healthcare settings. By informing the public about the realities of violence against nurses, there’s potential for generating support that enhances the safety and respect for nursing professionals on the frontlines of healthcare.
Furthermore, it is vital to continue the dialogue around workplace violence as an ongoing issue that demands attention. Healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers must collaborate to ensure that research findings, such as those presented in Mahmoudi et al.’s review, are translated into actionable policies. By prioritizing research and implementing evidence-based strategies, we can make strides toward eliminating violence in healthcare workplaces.
Ultimately, the fight against workplace violence in nursing is not solely about protecting individual nurses. It is about reinforcing the integrity of healthcare as a whole. When nurses feel safe, valued, and supported, they can provide the highest standard of care to their patients. As this scoping review illustrates, addressing the factors contributing to workplace violence and implementing preventative measures are critical steps in safeguarding the future of nursing. A commitment to creating a culture of safety and respect within healthcare is imperative—for nurses, patients, and the communities they serve.
Subject of Research: Workplace violence against nurses and prevention strategies in developed countries
Article Title: Causes of workplace violence against nurses and strategies for its prevention in developed countries: a scoping review.
Article References:
Mahmoudi, F., Garmaroudi, G., Saniee, N. et al. Causes of workplace violence against nurses and strategies for its prevention in developed countries: a scoping review. BMC Nurs (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04227-x
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-04227-x
Keywords: workplace violence, nurses, prevention strategies, healthcare safety, nurse well-being, mental health.
Tags: addressing nurse vulnerability in hospitalscauses of violence in healthcareemotional strain on healthcare workersfrontline healthcare challengeshealthcare worker safety initiativeshigh-stress environment in hospitalsimpact of violence on nursing professionpatient aggression towards healthcare staffprevention strategies for nursing safetysocietal attitudes towards nursesstaffing shortages in healthcare settingsworkplace violence against nurses
