What is the impact of patient violence in the emergency department on emergency nurses' intention to leave?

Abstract

Aim: To examine the impact that patient violence, experienced in the emergency department, has on emergency nurses' intention to leave their job.

Background: Emergency departments have become known for their overcrowding, chaos, unpredictability and violence. Emergency nurses are at high risk of experiencing workplace violence, which is cited in the literature as having a direct effect on general nurses' intention to leave. A high rate of nursing turnover may lead to short staffing, jeopardize the quality of patient care and increase overcrowding and wait times.

Evaluation: A systematic review was undertaken in CINAHL, Medline and Psych INFO databases using published data until November 2021. Six articles were included, and PRISMA guidelines were adhered it.

Key issues: Workplace violence in the emergency department had a direct impact on emergency nurses' intention to leave and decreased their job satisfaction. Verbal abuse is the most experienced form of workplace violence.

Conclusions: Workplace violence experienced by emergency nurses in the emergency department had a direct positive impact on their intention to leave and subsequently negative impact on their job satisfaction.

Implications for nursing management: This review may inform clinical decision-making and aid in the development of clinical practice guidelines for a workplace violence prevention programme, specific to the emergency department.

Keywords: emergency department; intention to leave; job satisfaction; types of workplace violence; violence.