Facing the Reality of Violence in Healthcare—A Nurse’s Push for Safer Workplaces

Workplace violence is not something I heard much about in nursing school, nor did I ever think it was something that could happen to me and completely change my life. But it did, and that is why I am calling all nurses and healthcare providers to action when it comes to their own safety and the safety of those around them.

Nursing is a team sport, and we all need to play the safety game together.

As I write this, it has been over four years since I experienced an assault on the job from a patient. I could easily write a book about all of the ways that day changed my life forever. In lieu of that, I will say that I have learned a lot and will never take my safety for granted again. I will also mention that I could never imagine being anything other than a nurse, and this experience still hasn’t changed my view of the best profession ever. It has just inspired me to share my experience and advocate for nursing, much like we do for our patients. Safer work environments mean safer care for those we serve.

In this episode of Nurse Converse with Nurse Jana, we discuss both of our experiences with workplace violence along with some of the takeaways I have learned about getting involved and advocating for a safer work environment. I share my story in hopes of raising awareness and instilling urgency for all nurses and healthcare workers to own their practice and take safety into their own hands so they don’t have to share a story similar to mine someday.

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WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN HEALTHCARE — WHAT REALLY IS IT, AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

OSHA definition

“Any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site.” This is the third leading cause of non-fatal occupational injuries in the U.S.

It’s likely not an if, but a when.

During the years 2021–2022, 72.8% of all non-fatal workplace violence incidents in the private sector occurred in healthcare and social service industries. This is second only to law enforcement officers.

Numbers are likely much higher, but underreporting of these events is significant. For example, one study found that 57% of ICU nurses did not report workplace violence incidents, with reasons including the belief that nothing could be done and that it wasn’t important to report.

Burnout and patient safety

Experiencing workplace violence significantly increases nurse burnout and negatively affects patient safety.

What Can You Do?

• Get involved with your institution, ask questions, and be prepared to be part of the solution.

• Advocate for your safety. Come prepared with evidence-based information to support your advocacy.

• Learn more about de-escalation strategies, which are some of the most effective approaches to safety.

• Take advantage of free resources, such as the CDC’s de-escalation training course.

• Seek out more information and training—there are many free resources online.

• Explore resources through professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Hospital Association (AHA), National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).

• Learn more about the role of Trauma-Informed Care in violence prevention.

• Stay informed about new programs and funding focused on safety and prevention, such as the IUSB Nursing grant for mental health and de-escalation training, which highlights how institutions are beginning to invest in better resources for nurses.

Important Questions to Ask Where You Work

• Do we have a workplace violence (WPV) committee? How can I get involved?

• Do we have a WPV policy or guideline? Where do I find it?

• What is security’s role with a violent patient? Can they touch the patient?

• Do we offer any de-escalation or physical safety training? How can I enroll?

• Do we offer violent patient de-escalation simulation training that involves security and bedside staff together?

Do not expect your institution to do it all for you. Get involved and help show where the gaps really are. Bedside staff insight is imperative to truly improving safety. Offer to spearhead a committee and get it off the ground if you don’t have one.

Universal precautions exist to keep us safe from potentially harmful bodily fluids. What would happen if we approached our physical safety with the same mindset and had a universal approach—not to be afraid of our patients, but to always be mindful that anything could happen?

🤔Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below!