and helps nursing find its voice in the larger world of the healthcare system ” ( Dubrosky , 2013 , p . 205 ). The history of “ cultural imperialism ” that subjugates nursing to be lower than other higher-status groups in the healthcare system may empower victimizers to promote denigration of nurses ( Dubrosky , 2013 , p . 207 ).
Staffing and Security Administrations must ensure the availability of functioning security features , including silent panic alarms , sufficient lighting , and video monitor systems ( Clark , 2016 ). Adequate nursing staff , support staff , and trained security should be included in protocols and policies ( Kines , 2015 ). Some patients will wait until staffing is low before becoming aggressive ( Baby et al ., 2014 )
Studies show that most assaults in the ED occur within one hour of triage and correlate with long wait times ( Clark , 2016 ). It would be prudent for hospitals to increase security presence during these times .
Evidence-Based Interventions and Implementation Plans
Exposure to workplace violence correlates with higher job dissatisfaction and leads to nurses quitting the profession ( Galián- Muñoz , Ruiz-Hernández , Llor- Esteban , & López-García , 2016 ). Interventions can curb workplace violence , protect nurses , and increase job satisfaction .
Legislation The absence of effective legislation is a factor associated with workplace violence ( Darawad ,
Al-Hussami , Saleh , Mustafa , & Odeh , 2015 ). Advocacy organizations such as the ENA , American Nurses Association ( ANA ), and professional associations lobby for changes to weak provisions in the law . Although there is no federal legislation to make an assault on a nurse a felony offense , some states have passed legislation to protect nurses ( Auty , 2011 ).
Reporting Policy Communities need hospitals to accurately report incidents of workplace violence so they know what is going on in the hospital ( Duncan , 2014 ). Organizations should have a comprehensive zero-tolerance policy where any type of violence is addressed and reported . These include : physical battery , verbal assaults , and lateral violence . Providing , promoting , and enforcing this type of policy would help to increase administrative support ( Wolf et al ., 2014 ). “ The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital ’ s ( JCAHO ) suggestions for
Studies have shown that nurses felt they would not receive leadership support if they reported violence in the workplace .
Baby et al . ( 2014 )
follow-up after an assault include reporting the crime to appropriate authorities , a recommendation of counseling , and reviewing the events to prevent a reoccurrence ” ( Clark , 2016 , p . 9 ). Support policies after an incident of workplace violence should include employee assistance programs ( EAP ) with counseling options for employees .
Communicating a Zero-Tolerance Policy to the Public
Healthcare organizations should aim to limit and prevent violence at its primary source ( Kvas & Seljak , 2015 ). To reach all patients , multilingual signage should be posted in the ED waiting room , treatment rooms , triage areas , and hallway beds . These should stress that the hospital will not accept any form of unwanted physical contact , disrespect , or verbal threats toward nursing staff ( Clark , 2016 ). If an enhanced law regarding felony
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