Workplace violence is a reality in many settings, but it all too frequently affects healthcare professionals.
According to the Nurse.com 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report, 23% of nurses reported they had experienced a physical assault or abuse and 64% reported being subjected to verbal abuse by a patient or family member. One study, which characterized workplace violence as a “pandemic,” estimated that 8% to 38% of nurses are subjected violence “at some point of their career.”
It’s an issue that requires consistent efforts to raise awareness and implement measures that will keep nurses safe during every shift.
The impact of workplace violence on nurses
The effects of workplace violence on nurses are profound and multifaceted. Physically, nurses may suffer from injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma, and the psychological impact can be just as devastating.
Victims of workplace violence often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can impair their ability to provide care, leading to decreased job satisfaction, burnout, and in some cases, the decision to leave the profession entirely.
Healthcare facilities with high rates of workplace violence often struggle with staff shortages, increased absenteeism, and a decline in the quality of patient care.
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of workplace violence against nurses. Hospitals and other healthcare settings are high-stress environments where emotions run high. Patients may be in pain, disoriented, or frightened, leading to unpredictable and sometimes aggressive behavior.
Additionally, the ongoing opioid crisis has resulted in an increase in the number of patients with substance use issues, who may exhibit violent behavior due to withdrawal symptoms or the effects of drugs.
When units are understaffed, it can increase the risk of workplace violence due to longer wait times, unmet patient needs, and increased stress on staff. In addition, many nurses feel they haven’t been properly trained in violence prevention and de-escalation techniques.
The healthcare industry has historically downplayed the severity of workplace violence, often viewing it as "part of the job." This acceptance of violence has led to underreporting, with many nurses believing their complaints won’t be taken seriously or that reporting an incident might harm their careers.
Institutional responses and prevention strategies
In recent years, the growing awareness of the dangers facing nurses has prompted some healthcare organizations, professional associations, and government bodies to begin implementing measures aimed at preventing workplace violence and supporting affected nurses.
One of the most significant steps has been the introduction of zero-tolerance policies towards violence. These policies make it clear that any form of aggression, whether verbal or physical, will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate consequences. Such policies are essential in changing the culture of acceptance around workplace violence and encouraging more nurses to report incidents.
Training is another critical component of violence prevention. Some healthcare facilities are now offering workshops for nurses on how to recognize the early signs of aggression, de-escalate potentially violent situations, and protect themselves during an attack. These programs are designed to empower nurses with the skills and confidence needed to handle challenging situations while minimizing the risk of harm.
Legislation also plays a crucial role in protecting nurses. In the U.S., several states have passed laws mandating that healthcare facilities implement workplace violence prevention programs. These laws often require institutions to conduct risk assessments, develop and implement prevention plans, and report incidents of violence.
Additionally, there is growing advocacy for the enactment of federal legislation that would establish nationwide standards for workplace violence prevention in healthcare settings.
For instance, in March 2024, the American Nurses Association, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the American College of Emergency Physicians discussed the need for federal legislation that targets violence against nurses on Capitol Hill during a briefing for congressional staffers, according to a news release.
“Violence against healthcare professionals — the very people who are entrusted to care for the sick and encourage healing — is absolutely unacceptable and reprehensible. Passage of federal legislation to protect our nurses and other healthcare workers and keep them safe is something the American Nurses Association will never stop advocating for and it is long overdue,” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA, FAAN, in the release.
Supporting nurses after an incident
While prevention is key, it’s equally important to support nurses who have experienced violence. Healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive support systems that address both the physical and emotional aftermath of an incident. This includes providing access to medical care, mental health services, and peer support groups.
Creating a supportive work environment where nurses feel safe to speak out about their experiences without fear of retaliation is vital. Encouraging open communication and fostering a culture of respect can help nurses recover from violent incidents and continue to perform their duties with confidence.
The workplace violence in nursing issue is a complex and challenging problem that requires a multifaceted approach. While progress has been made in recent years, there’s still work to be done to give nurses the safe and supportive environment they deserve. By continuing to raise awareness, implementing robust prevention strategies, and providing comprehensive support for affected nurses, healthcare organizations can confront this ongoing problem head on and create real solutions.
