Workplace Ostracism in Nurses and its Determining Factors.

Abstract

Abstract: Aim and objectives: This study attempted to identify workplace ostracism in nurses and its determining factors. Background: Ostracism, which is a form of mistreatment in the nursing workplace, is neglected in the nursing profession although it can affect the quality of healthcare services. Design: The present study was a descriptive-correlational study. Methods: Nurses in health care centers (n=340) that had at least 12 months of clinical care experience were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling for the period from 2018-2019. The study instruments were a modified questionnaire based on the workplace ostracism scale and a questionnaire that assessed personal-social factors. To analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: Participants’ average ostracism score was 9.03 ± 36.63, and there were statistically significant relationships between ostracism and employment status, university of education, a record of getting an incentive, nurses’ current physical disorders, and feelings of colleagues’ envy and managers’ discrimination. Conclusions: Applying some approaches to educate nurses about interpersonal relationships and clearly communicating mutual expectations between the staff and nursing management could help solve this problem. Implications for practice: The study results will serve to guide legislators and managers in developing interventions to create supportive and safe work environments, both for nurses and patients.