Mental health nurses’ perspective of workplace violence in Jordanian mental health hospitals

PURPOSE: The purpose was to assess the mental health nurses' perspectives of workplace violence in mental health departments in Jordan. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional correlation study was utilized to address the study's purposes. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires from nurses working in governmental mental health departments in Jordan. FINDINGS: The findings indicated that 80% of the respondents were victims of at least one violent act in the last 2 years. Verbal abuse was the most indicated type of violence. Patients were considered the main source of violence. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Policies and legislations addressing workplace violence should be implemented, and nurses should be trained on using such policies. Hospital managers should create a safe work environment by enforcing effective security measures and maintaining adequate staffing.