Interpersonal violence experienced by nurses caring for persons with intellectual disability: A phenomenological study.

This phenomenological study explored interpersonal violence experienced by nurses caring for persons diagnosed with intellectual disability at a selected psychiatric hospital in South Africa. In-depth phenomenological interviews were conducted with 16 nurses (female = 10, males = 06 with 2 to 16 and above years' tenure in long-term units). Using thematic analysis, three overarching themes emerged: (i) violence directed towards self and others; (ii) violence coping strategies; and (iii) support and skills development needs. Participants reported, for example, aggression and head banging aimed at causing harm to oneself and others as challenging behaviours that could potentially harm nurses and other patients. The nurses used adjustment and acceptance as coping strategies, including reliance on team support and being cognisant of their duty to care. These findings indicate a need for in-service training programmes to upgrade their knowledge inthis specialised field and for induction of new appointees serving in long-term units treating individuals with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]