From Frustration to Red Fury: A Description of Work-Related Anger in Male Registered Nurses

Findings from a companion study of male RNs are presented, finding severed relationships and feelings of guilt, powerlessness, isolation, humiliation, and incompetence were concomitant with, or consequences of, anger.

Abstract

This article is Part II of a three part article. Part I described work-related anger experiences of female registered nurses, and in this article findings from a companion study of male RNs are presented. In phenomenological interviews, male nurses describe their work environment as hostile, causing them to be on the defensive and less productive. Sources of angle included attacks from physicians, coworkers, and managers; lack of assistance and support from peers; and differential treatment based on gender. The men stated they were called upon for physical tasks rather than for their nursing knowledge. Severed relationships and feelings of guilt, powerlessness, isolation, humiliation, and incompetence were concomitant with, or consequences of, anger. Part III provides recommendations for channeling anger constructively.