The effect of workplace bullying and self‐efficacy on emotional distress among hospital nurses.

Aims: This study intended to explore the workplace bullying, self‐efficacy and emotional distress of the nursing staff and determine the predictors of nursing staff's emotional distress. Methods: Cross‐sectional and correlation designs were used, collecting data including socio‐demographic data, workplace bullying, self‐efficacy and emotional distress scales. Results: Results showed that the frequency of poor sleep quality in the recent 2 weeks, working in the intensive care centre or emergency room, high workplace bullying and low self‐efficacy were the main predictors of emotional distress in nursing staff. Conclusion: Nursing supervisors are advised to design suitable shift schemes to allow adequate time for nurses to maintain proper rest and develop a safety notification system to give bullied victims the assurance of safety. The design and implementation of the programs are encouraged to improve self‐efficacy among nurses by strengthening the training of social skills, improving employees' communication skills and their relationships with other employees. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Nursing workplace bullying can lead to health problems and patient safety problems.What this paper adds? This study provides information about workplace bullying, self‐efficacy and emotional distress in nurses.Poor sleep quality in the recent 2 weeks, working in the intensive care centre or the emergency room, high workplace bullying and low self‐efficacy were the main predictors of emotional distress among nurses.The implications of this paper for policy/practice/research/education Hospital managers should arrange education programs to improve nurses' self‐efficacy to avoid emotional distress.Suitable shift schemes should be designed for the nurses to maintain proper rest, and a safety notification system should be provided to the bullied victims for the assurance of safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]