Factors associated with workplace violence among nurses: A cross-sectional study in the southeastern United States

Nurses are exposed to high rates of workplace violence worldwide. It is important to examine factors associated with workplace violence among nurses to develop strategies that minimize the risk of such exposure and ensure safe environments. This was a secondary analysis of survey data from nurses (n = 342) in a medical center in the southeastern United States to examine factors associated with workplace violence. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine sociodemographic, work-related, and behavioral factors associated with exposure to workplace violence. Approximately 62% of nurses reported exposure to workplace violence and there were significant differences in the exposure to workplace violence among nurses by primary practice location (p = 0.042). However, in the final hierarchical regression analysis, being older than 25 years (p < 0.001), single (p = 0.016), having a BSN degree (p = 0.022), and working on regular schedule (either day or night) shifts (p = 0.024) were associated with exposure to workplace violence. Exposure to workplace violence in our sample of nurses was relatively high. Sociodemographic and work-related factors which may confer such exposure risk may be targets for assessment and intervention. Such interventions can be important to mitigate the untenable role of workplace violence exposure to the nursing profession.