Horizontal Violence Among Hospital Staff Nurses Related to Oppressed Self or Oppressed Group

A change in the oppressive social structure of hospitals may be needed to truly address horizontal violence in the best interest of the quality and safety of patient care.

Abstract

Horizontal violence among nurses is recognized as a major problem in hospitals; however, the origins and effects on patient care have not been studied. This study described the incidence of horizontal violence among hospital staff RNs and tested 2 hypotheses about the social origins of this behavior. A random sample of 175 hospital staff RNs drawn from the California Board of Registered Nursing's mailing list was surveyed. Horizontal violence was reported by 21.1% (n = 37) of participating nurses. Hypotheses were supported. Findings suggested (a) a positive relationship between beliefs consistent with an oppressed self and horizontal violence (r = .434, P < .05) and (b) a positive relationship between beliefs consistent with those of an oppressed group and horizontal violence (r = .453, P < .05). A change in the oppressive social structure of hospitals may be needed to truly address horizontal violence in the best interest of the quality and safety of patient care.