Violence threatens future of nursing students
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A fresh spotlight has been placed on the rising incidence of workplace violence in healthcare, particularly targeting student nurses. New research from Flinders University warns that these hostile incidents—ranging from verbal abuse to physical aggression—are threatening to drive the next generation out of the nursing profession before they even begin their careers.
“Workplace violence, which can include verbal abuse, physical aggression, and intimidation from patients and other staff, is a growing concern in healthcare, with nursing students particularly vulnerable,” says Dr Hila Dafny, a researcher and clinical educator at the university’s Caring Futures Institute.
Two recent studies, published in the Journal of Professional Nursing and Nursing Open, underscore how this violence not only harms students’ mental health, but also undermines the wellbeing and commitment of the supervisors tasked with training them. “Our findings, drawn from interviews with clinical facilitators in South Australia—those that train and supervise nursing students—reveals witnessing or experiencing this violence has an ongoing impact on nursing students’ mental health, career prospects, and overall well-being,” adds Dr Dafny.
She explains that the impact is equally severe on the facilitators themselves: “It also impacts the supervisors themselves, with some questioning their own career choices as they feel powerless to stop it.” In some cases, the repercussions can be devastating. “The psychological toll on students is significant, with many reporting symptoms of anxiety, distress, and burnout following WPV incidents, with some cases escalating to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
Compounding the problem, facilitators say they lack the authority or resources to intervene effectively. “Despite being the first point of contact for students after WPV incidents, many facilitators feel disempowered to take effective action, with their limited authority and inconsistent role definitions often leaving them unable to protect students or address systemic issues effectively,” says Dr Dafny.
The research team calls on universities and healthcare institutions to take shared responsibility and develop clear anti-violence policies, training programs, and robust support systems. “We need to shift the framing that workplace violence is an inevitability of working in the health profession,” stresses Dr Dafny. “It’s time to prioritise the safety and mental health of nursing students and their facilitators. This includes clear anti-violence policies, comprehensive training, and a cultural shift that no longer normalises violence in the workplace.”
Such measures, according to the researchers, could range from education initiatives on how to recognise and report violence to accessible counselling services. Ultimately, the studies conclude that meaningful change will require a joined-up effort across academia and clinical settings to ensure student nurses can enter the profession without facing the growing threat of workplace aggression.
Related: Major investment to draw nursing students to aged care sector
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
