Abstract
[This is an excerpt.] The rate of violence against health care workers has reached epidemic proportions. According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), health care workers in inpatient facilities experienced workplace violence-related injuries requiring days off from work at a rate at least five to 12 times higher than the rate of private-sector workers overall. This type of violence includes incidences of violence against registered nurses (RNs) by patients, patients’ family members and external individuals, and it includes physical, sexual and psychological assaults. Workplace violence has a demonstrable negative impact on the nursing profession and the overall health care field. Multiple studies have shown that workplace violence – including other forms such as bullying and incivility as perpetrated by coworkers or supervisors – can adversely affect the quality of patient care and care outcomes, contribute to the development of psychological conditions, and reduce the RN’s level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Moreover, the full scope of the problem is not fully known. As the GAO report noted, “Health care workers may not always report such incidents, and there is limited research on the issue, among other reasons.” In fact, research has variously found that only 20 to 60 percent of nurses report incidents of violence. That being said, in order to address a problem, building on the ANA position statement on incivility, bullying and workplace violence, one must first understand its full scope. Therefore, in addressing workplace violence against health care workers, RNs in particular, the reasons for underreporting incidents of violence must be identified and addressed. Because workplace violence events are difficult to substantiate with physical evidence, a systematic reporting mechanism is warranted. [To read more, click View Resource.]
This resource is found in our Actionable Strategies for Professional Associations: Spotlights: Professional Associations Operational Strategies (Ensuring Physical & Mental Health).
