Intervention to Decrease Perception of Horizontal Violence in Military Nursing
Abstract
Purpose: Horizontal violence (HV) consists of repeated behaviors over time that intimidate or demean another individual. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of HV by military nursing staff and to determine if education changed the experience. Design: This interventional study used a two group, pre-test and post-test design at three military treatment facilities (MTF). Methods: Anonymous survey data on HV behaviors, personal effects, perpetrators, job satisfaction, and intention to leave were collected both before and at 1-3 months after the provision of a 30-minute educational intervention throughout each MTF. Sample: E-mail survey invitations were sent to the nursing staff at each facility. The respondents (n=1301) were primarily female (78%), civilian (62%), and staff nurses (61%). Nursing staff participation in the intervention ranged from 15-30%. Analysis: The data from each MTF were analyzed separately. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare scores between pre and post-intervention responses. Relationships of demographic, job satisfaction, and intent to leave items to HV were explored using correlations. Findings: At all 3 MTFs, the average occurrence of HV behaviors was between once and twice in the past 3 months. Respondents experienced personal effects from HV behaviors an average of once in the past 3 months. The most frequent perpetrators were females, nurses and supervisors. There were no significant between-group differences pre and post-intervention. Job satisfaction and intent to leave either position or government employ were significantly correlated with HV. Implications for Military Nursing: Within military nursing, HV occurs at a lower frequency than in civilian nursing. The educational intervention alone was not an effective method. Military nursing leaders are encouraged to engage in conflict management, establishment of positive work environments, holding staff members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1078780
Entities
People
- Susan G Hopkinson
Organizations
- Geneva Foundation