Exploring the prevalence of horizontal violence in nursing between magnet and non-magnet hospitals

Statement of the Problem: The nurses work environment influences patient, nurse and organizations outcomes. The majority of the literature confirms that Magnet hospitals produce environments resulting in positive outcomes, however, the prevalence of horizontal violence (HV) within Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals is not clearly understood. To understand the frequency of HV within these two environments would provide nurse leaders insight into the bedside nurses work environment resulting in data that could improve the bedside RNs work environment and ultimately impact outcomes. This study examined the prevalence of HV within Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals amongst bedside nurses.;Methods: Utilizing a concurrent embedded design, bedside RNs at a Magnet and non-Magnet hospital completed the Briles' Sabotage Savvy Questionnaire in order to ascertain both qualitative and quantitative information.;Results: Surprisingly, HV at non-Magnet hospitals were less than Magnet hospitals. HV at non-Magnet hospitals for RNs with a BSN or higher degree was less than Magnet hospitals. HV experienced in the Critical Care, Medical Surgical and Perioperative Divisions at non-Magnet hospitals was less than Magnet hospitals. The Maternal Child Health Division and nurses with equal to or less than 7 years of experience showed no differences in HV between both environments. Nonphysical behaviors in the form of gossip, aggressive verbal communication, manipulating the environment were commonly exhibited. The RNs evaluated the environment and depending on their assessment resulted in whether a response to a HV event was rendered.;Conclusion: Magnet status supports positive outcomes however an unforeseen negative by product of the magnet environment is that it requires nurse administrators to consistently have their bedside RNs produce outcomes that meet and exceed benchmarks which may result in inward fighting between the bedside nurses and potential results in HV.