Nurse managers and workplace violence: the mental health and well-being of nurses and personal care assistants in aged care

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of workplace violence on the mental health of nurse managers, nurses and personal care assistants. Design/methodology/approach The study is qualitative and uses Conservation of Resources Theory and Theory of Practice as the combined theoretical framework to examine the narratives of 50 participants. Findings There are serious mental health and well-being challenges of both nurse managers, nurses and personal care assistants, as sustained by multiple episodes of workplace violence. We found evidence of symbolic violence used by senior management and limited evidence of perceived formal and informal management supports to mitigate and manage workplace violence. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to the state of Victoria in Australia. Non-ANMF members were not included as a comparison group in this study. Therefore, it was not possible to determine if the experiences raised by nurse managers, nurses and personal care assistants in aged care facilities were unique to this sector. While we interviewed managers, aged care workers from public, private and not-for-profit aged care facilities, we did not set out to compare the three sectors. We did not interview HR managers. Practical implications HRM departments and managers in aged care facilities also need to ensure that health and safety compliance is followed in accordance with relevant legislation and employment agreements. It is the responsibility of nurse managers and nurses and personal care assistants to ensure that incidents of violence are reported, and measures taken to avoid further workplace violence incidents. Social implications The care of an ageing population is important to society. When nurses and personal care assistants are supported in the workplace by nurse managers, they are more likely to provide better care to residents of aged care facilities. Originality/value Our study contributes to the theoretical relevance of Hobfoll’s COR theory and Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice by demonstrating how the theories combined are relevant to contemporary workers and organisations within a specific context or sector.