Bullying and engagement among nurses

ABSTRACT

Workplace bullying has become a growing issue among nurses, which can have a negative impact on engagement. Due to the relevance of this matter, the purpose of this study was to identify the presence of workplace bullying and engagement and to analyze the relationship between the two and the sociodemographic and professional variables among nurses. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational study. The sample consis-ted of 173 primary care nurses from one of Azores' Islands (Portugal). The sample was of 88.4% female nurses; 58.4% of which 38 years old or older and with an avera-ge of 16.1 years of professional experience. A questionnaire was applied respecting the nurses' confidentiality, consisting of three groups for the nurses' sociodemo-graphic, workplace bullying (NAQ-R) and engagement (UWES) evaluation. Among the results, there was a prevalence of workplace bullying of 9.2%. Nurses 37 years old or younger, working a rotating shifts and with stressful work, were more exposed to workplace bullying. Good levels of engagement were identified (Mean = 4.3). Female nurses with partners and children, working fixed shifts, with 14 or more years of professional experience and who did not perceive their work stressful, presented higher levels of engagement. There was a negative relationship between workplace bullying and engagement. The results of this study suggest the need to invest in antibullying policies / pro-cedures and occupational health programs to minimize the impact of workplace bullying and to promote the maintenance of good levels of engagement among nurses

RESUMEN

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