Exploring nursing students’ experience of bullying and its consequences and coping strategies from a qualitative perspective

Workplace bullying is a serious challenge for nursing students, with negative impacts on their physical and mental health, leading to reduced self-esteem and quality of patient care. In response to bullying, individuals use various coping strategies. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to elucidate the consequences of bullying and investigate the coping strategies employed by nursing students. In this study, 20 nursing students were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman method (2020). In this method, units of meaning were identified, and codes and categories were extracted. Data management was carried out using version 0.9.5 of the MAXQDA software. The findings were categorized into two main themes: "Consequences of Bullying" and " Bullying Coping Strategies." Subcategories extracted from the study included "Negative Outcomes," "Positive Outcomes," " Self-Centered and Passive Strategies," and "Active and Interactive Coping Strategies." Sub-subcategories included " Reduction in Learning," " Decline in Quality of Care," "Psychological Harm," "Physical Harm," "Disruption in Social Interactions," "Development of Positive Thinking," " Enhancement of Self-Efficacy," " Self-Direction," "Acceptance," " Ignoration," "Situational Humor," "Protest," " Discussing of Job Description," and " Report to Competent Authorities." The findings of this study indicate that bullying in educational workplaces has negative effects on the physical, mental health, and learning process of nursing students, jeopardizing the quality of patient care. These results also emphasize the necessity of focusing on active and passive coping strategies adopted by nursing students. Therefore, structural reforms in the nursing education system, implementation of effective prevention policies, training of mentors, and providing psychological support for students are recommended.