Workplace Bullying and Absenteeism Rate among Staff Nurses at Mansoura University Hospital

Background: Workplace bullying (WPB) is a social and organizational problem within the health care arena, employees, particularly staff nurses, are at risk. WPB has several adverse effects and has been cited in the literature as closely associated with absenteeism and nurses leaving their positions. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of workplace bullying among staff nurses, determine absenteeism rate and explore the relationship between workplace bullying, and absenteeism rate among staff nurses in operating sections and Obstetric Gynecological Units at Main Mansoura University Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized to attain the aim of the present study. The study sample composed of 110 staff nurse. Data was collected by using Workplace Bullying Inventory (WBI) and Attendance/Absen-teeism sheet. Results: The results revealed that More than half of the nurses under study reported being bullied in the previous 6 months, there were statistically significant differences between nurses working in Operating Room sections and nurses working in Obstetric and Gynecological units regarding exposure to workplace bullying. There was no statistically significant difference between bullied and not bullied nurses in absentee-ism days and rates. There was no statistically significant relationship between absenteeism rate and exposure to bullying. Recommendation: As bullying seems to be a serious problem among staff in Mansoura University Hospital. The hospital should have policies and procedures that address this issue. Setting up systems for supporting staff and for dealing with interpersonal conflict may have benefits for both staff and the efficiency of the provided medical service.