Workplace Violence Prevention Strategies For Nurses

 

Workplace Violence Prevention Strategies For Nurses

In many healthcare facilities, nurses are the employees with the most direct contact with patients. They are the ones holding a woman’s hand and providing emotional support during labor. They are the ones changing dressings and swapping out bedpans. They are the ones comforting family members during a loved one’s health battles. This also means they are often the target of patient violence.

Healthcare employees, particularly nurses are at an increased risk for workplace violence. Since this issue isn’t going away, nurses must prepare themselves for the possibility of workplace violence through education and training.

Educate staff on how to recognize the potential for violence, how to employ de-escalation techniques, and how to seek assistance to prevent or respond to violence.

Employee involvement is essential to the success of any workplace violence prevention programs.

At a minimum, it is recommended that nurses do the following:

·      Become familiar with the organization’s workplace violence prevention program and policies.

·      Attend personal safety training programs offered by the organization.

·      Participate in safety, health and security committees.

·      Participate in employee complaint or suggestion procedures.

·      Report violent incidents promptly and accurately.

BE AWARE OF YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

Provide resources and support programs for employees to help them cope with violent incidents.

Evaluate staffing and patient classification systems that could increase or reduce the risk of violence.

As with any places we go, being cognizant of our surroundings can dramatically improve our safety.

Being aware of both static (room configuration, doors, lighting, workstations) and changing (weather, noise levels, staffing levels) risks is key.

Note exits and emergency phone numbers when changing work areas.

Confusion, background noises and crowding can increase stress levels

Meal times, shift changes and patient transports are all times of Increased disruptive behavior.

The course also provides a checklist for identifying environmental risk factors for violence.

DRESS CODE FOR SAFETY

The way healthcare professionals dress can help improve their safety.

Removing anything that could be used as a weapon or taken by someone

Hair should be tied back so it cannot easily be pulled.

Avoiding wearing earrings or necklaces that could be pulled.

Wearing clothing that isn’t too loose or too tight; overly loose clothing could get caught on something and overly tight clothing can restrict movement.

Use breakaway safety cords or lanyards for name tags, keys, etc.

CHECK YOUR SOCIO-CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Another important aspect of self-awareness is recognizing how cultural background shapes the way we view the world. These views can affect how we respond to patients and co-workers, and in turn, affect how they respond to us.

Misunderstandings stemming from language barriers can increase a patient’s anxiety to the point where physical attacks are their only way to communicate frustration or pain.

BE ATTUNED TO YOUR OWN RESPONSES

Being aware of our own feelings and responses to certain situations can affect the outcome.

For instance, a “fight or flight” response could be an early warning sign of looming danger and an indicator to get help or to leave.

An important aspect of violence prevention is being aware that the way we express ourselves can influence how people respond to us, as can our personal history.

Overtiredness can greatly affect response to a hostile situation.

 USE VIOLENCE RISK ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Healthcare organizations should have violence risk assessment tools that can be used to evaluate individuals for potential violence. These tools are a common frame of reference and understanding for healthcare providers and can minimize the likelihood of misinterpretation a person’s potential for violence.

 SAFETY IN NON-INSTITUTIONAL HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

Healthcare organizations have a responsibility to establish protective policies for staff working outside of the facility, such as in-home care settings.

Review agency files to confirm a background check was done on a patient.

Check to see if a patient’s family member has a record of violence or arrest.

If entering a situation already assessed over the phone as potentially dangerous, you should be accompanied by a team member who has training in de-escalation and crisis intervention.

Ensure the presence of sufficient security systems, including alarms, emergency response and available security personnel.

Always have a cell phone.

Be sure someone knows where you are.