Clinical Facilitators' Perceptions of Factors Contributing to Nursing Students' Experience of Workplace Violence

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is experienced by Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students during clinical placements. Students in this vulnerable group are supervised in the practice environment by clinical facilitators. This study examined clinical facilitators’ views on WPV. 

Method: Eleven clinical facilitators were recruited for this study and participated in interviews. Transcribed data were probed, and thematic analysis was conducted. 

Results: Six major themes emerged that identified factors contributing to BN students’ experience of WPV during clinical placements: (1) setting; (2) university; (3) nursing students; (4) site staff; (5) patients; and (6) other factors. Clinical facilitators perceived WPV toward students as being a common yet complex issue due to multiple contributing factors. 

Conclusion: This study adds detailed knowledge regarding the factors that influence WPV directed toward BN students to inform the development of policies and procedures for reducing the incidence of WPV in the clinical setting.