Acute psychiatric wards are stressful working environments because of the
nature of the mental illness of patients admitted. These patients present with a variety of
complex psychiatric problems and social control that require skilled and competent nurses to
manage them. The shortage of nurses, especially with advanced psychiatric qualifications or
necessary experience, may create challenges for nurses as they navigate this stressful working
environment. The aim of this study was to explore and describe nurses’ experience of patient
violence, coping strategies and received support whilst working in acute wards in psychiatric
hospitals.