Workplace bullying among nurses: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Nurses face various ethical challenges, including bullying, which is among the most significant. Such behavior leads to job burnout, decreased job performance, and increased turnover among nurses, ultimately resulting in reduced productivity and low-quality health services. This study aimed to investigate bullying among nurses. A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis of published research on bullying in nursing was conducted. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Springer, Web of Science, and Cochrane for studies published between January 2010 and August 2025. Data were synthesized using Noblit and Hare’s qualitative meta-synthesis approach. Sixteen studies, involving a total of 377 participants, were included. Analysis revealed ten overarching themes: contexts and reasons for bullying; characteristics of bullying; characteristics of perpetrators; characteristics of victims; upward bullying; key factors influencing bullying intervention; bullying coping strategies; types of bystander reactions to workplace bullying; consequences of bullying; and management and prevention of bullying. The findings highlight the urgent need for interventions to reduce bullying and strengthen organizational culture in nursing. It is necessary to develop anti-bullying laws at the managerial and national levels in nursing. Anti-bullying training for nurses, clear reporting procedures, regular assessment of institutional culture, safe learning environments, and counseling services for victims are essential strategies to address this issue in nursing.