Investigation of Students’ Undesirable Behaviors and Confrontation Strategies in the View of Instructors

Introduction: Undesirable behaviors are one of the challenges faced by nursing instructors and the coping strategies are also of great importance. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the frequency of nursing students’ undesirable behaviors and confrontation strategies in the view of instructors. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in 2017-2018. The study population consisted of all instructors at the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, who entered the study census. To collect data, a demographic questionnaire and an undesirable behaviors questionnaire in the classroom including Undesirable behaviors and undesirable behaviors' management strategies were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics using SPSS ver 16 software by descriptive statically tests (Distribution, mean and standard deviation). Results: Physical attack(66%), offensive comments(52%), and sending messages with bad content to instructors(46%) were considered serious. Undesirable behaviors such as using a cellphone(34%), sigh/yawning(18%) and sending short messages, mobile phone rings, out-of-the-clock conversations, and inappropriate clothing(12%) had the highest incidence. The most common strategies used by instructors to manage with students' undesirable behaviors include student-specific conversations(28%), waivers(16%), addressing the whole class(12%), and student displacement(12%). Conclusion: Based on undesirable behaviors specified by instructors, legislating about using cell phone, class timing and uniforms of students in the first session can be helpful. Also, considering the undesirable behaviors and identified strategies, conducting classroom and thought management courses is recommended for familiarization with other strategies for managing undesirable behaviors in specific situations.