Nurses' perceptions of transgressive behaviour in care relationships: a qualitative study

Aim To acquire insight into the onset and meaning of transgressive behaviour from the perspective of nurses. Background Patient aggression towards healthcare providers occurs frequently. Nurses in particular are at risk of encountering aggressive or transgressive behaviour due to the nature, duration and intensity of relationships with patients. This study analysed nurse perspectives with regard to the onset and meaning of transgressive patient behaviour in a general hospital setting. Design Qualitative research according to the grounded theory method. Methods Data were collected in 2011 through individual interviews with 18 nurses who were selected using purposive and theoretical sampling. Findings Findings revealed that various nurse‐patient interactions can result in episodes of transgressive behaviour, depending on the interplay of determining and regulating factors which have been identified at the patient, nurse and ward level. Experiences of transgressive behaviour are influenced by degree of control nurses experience over the provision of care; the degree of patient acceptance of organizational and ward rules, the degree of gratitude and recognition expressed by the patient and the extent of patient regard for the nurse as a person. Factors affecting transgressive experiences were a trusting relationship between patient and nurse; the extent to which patient perspectives are understood; methods of managing transgressive behaviour; and the influence of the team, head nurse and ward culture and habits. Conclusions The results of this study can support the development of nurses' coping ability and self‐confidence to mitigate or prevent experiences of transgressive behaviour.