WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND ITS EFFECTS ON JOB SATISFACTION AND CAREER OUTLOOK AMONG NURSES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN DHQ HOSPITAL DIR, UPPER PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is a significant occupational hazard in healthcare settings, negatively impacting nurses’ job satisfaction, professional well-being, and retention. Nurses frequently encounter verbal abuse, physical violence, and bullying, which can influence their career intentions and quality of patient care. Understanding the prevalence of WPV and its effects is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of workplace violence among nurses at DHQ Hospital Dir Upper, Pakistan, and to examine its impact on job satisfaction and career outlook.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. All 60 nurses working at DHQ Hospital Dir Upper during the study period were included using universal sampling. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, WPV experiences, job satisfaction, and career outlook. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean, SD) summarized the data, while Pearson’s correlation analyzed associations between WPV exposure, job satisfaction, and intention to leave. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Verbal abuse was the most prevalent form of WPV (70%), followed by bullying (30%) and physical violence (16.7%). WPV exposure was negatively correlated with job satisfaction (r = -0.52, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with intention to leave (r = 0.48, p < 0.05). Nurses experiencing frequent violence reported decreased satisfaction with pay, promotion opportunities, and workplace safety, with nearly 42% considering leaving their current positions.

Conclusion: Workplace violence is prevalent and adversely affects nurses’ job satisfaction and career outlook. Interventions including safety policies, conflict resolution training, supportive management, and reporting mechanisms are recommended to improve nurses’ well-being, retention, and quality of patient care.