PTSD Symptomatology in Neurology Nurses who Experience Verbal and Physical Abuse from Patients and Families

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the PTSD Impact of verbal and physical abuse on neurology nurses, identify their coping strategies, and explore relationships between demographic characteristics, incidence and coping strategies. Background: Nurses have been identified as having the highest percentage of workplace violence and average annual rates of non-fatal violent crime greater than all occupations were found in a 2011 U.S. Department of Justice survey. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory research design employing an online survey of 112 neurology nurses working in the United States was used for this study. Results: Results identified the presence of PTSD as a result of verbal and physical abuse against neurology nurses, Avoidance coping strategies utilized and gender differences on multiple types of physical abuse.. Conclusion: Administrative attention must address abuse of neurology nurses and support for subsequent PTSD symptomology identified as a result of abuse by patients and families.