Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study
Abstract Introduction Workplace bullying (WB) is a significant occupational hazard for nurses, especially in high-stress environments such as pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). WB adversely affects nurses’ physical and mental health, patient safety, and overall quality of care. This study aimed...
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BMC
2025-03-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02915-2 |
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| author | Jamalodin Begjani Nahid Dehghan Nayeri Moein Salami Hanie Tavasoli Mohammad Mehdi Rajabi |
| author_facet | Jamalodin Begjani Nahid Dehghan Nayeri Moein Salami Hanie Tavasoli Mohammad Mehdi Rajabi |
| author_sort | Jamalodin Begjani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Workplace bullying (WB) is a significant occupational hazard for nurses, especially in high-stress environments such as pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). WB adversely affects nurses’ physical and mental health, patient safety, and overall quality of care. This study aimed to explore the causes of WB among nurses working in PICUs. Methods This qualitative study used a conventional content analysis approach. Eleven nurses from the PICUs of the Children’s Medical Center Hospital, affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, participated in the study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, continuing until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s five-step approach. Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria—credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability—were used to ensure the study’s rigor. Results The analysis of the data revealed two main categories: [1] the “Imposing and Stereotypical Atmosphere,” which encompasses sub- categories such as power imbalances, work-related challenges, immature behaviors among staff, and passive reactions of nursing managers; and [2] the “Victim’s Achilles’ Heel,” which emphasizes weaknesses in clinical and communication skills as contributing factors to WB. Conclusion The study identifies organizational and personal factors as causes of WB in PICUs. Nursing leaders can implement targeted interventions aimed at improving workplace culture, monitoring interpersonal relationships, enhancing communication skills, and promoting the clinical skills of staff. These strategies can reduce WB and create a healthier work environment for nurses. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b7d6ccb731ec47daaf1d33c27f8ce6cc |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj-art-b7d6ccb731ec47daaf1d33c27f8ce6cc2025-08-20T02:56:11ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-03-012411910.1186/s12912-025-02915-2Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative studyJamalodin Begjani0Nahid Dehghan Nayeri1Moein Salami2Hanie Tavasoli3Mohammad Mehdi Rajabi4Department of Pediatric Nursing and Neonatal Intensive Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Nursing Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Pediatric Nursing and Neonatal Intensive Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Pediatric Nursing and Neonatal Intensive Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical SciencesAbstract Introduction Workplace bullying (WB) is a significant occupational hazard for nurses, especially in high-stress environments such as pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). WB adversely affects nurses’ physical and mental health, patient safety, and overall quality of care. This study aimed to explore the causes of WB among nurses working in PICUs. Methods This qualitative study used a conventional content analysis approach. Eleven nurses from the PICUs of the Children’s Medical Center Hospital, affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, participated in the study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, continuing until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s five-step approach. Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria—credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability—were used to ensure the study’s rigor. Results The analysis of the data revealed two main categories: [1] the “Imposing and Stereotypical Atmosphere,” which encompasses sub- categories such as power imbalances, work-related challenges, immature behaviors among staff, and passive reactions of nursing managers; and [2] the “Victim’s Achilles’ Heel,” which emphasizes weaknesses in clinical and communication skills as contributing factors to WB. Conclusion The study identifies organizational and personal factors as causes of WB in PICUs. Nursing leaders can implement targeted interventions aimed at improving workplace culture, monitoring interpersonal relationships, enhancing communication skills, and promoting the clinical skills of staff. These strategies can reduce WB and create a healthier work environment for nurses.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02915-2WorkplaceBullyingNursesPediatricIntensive care unitsOccupational stress |
| spellingShingle | Jamalodin Begjani Nahid Dehghan Nayeri Moein Salami Hanie Tavasoli Mohammad Mehdi Rajabi Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study BMC Nursing Workplace Bullying Nurses Pediatric Intensive care units Occupational stress |
| title | Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | exploring the causes of workplace bullying among nurses in pediatric intensive care units a qualitative study |
| topic | Workplace Bullying Nurses Pediatric Intensive care units Occupational stress |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02915-2 |
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