How to Reduce Workplace Violence in Nursing

Workplace violence in nursing and nurse abuse are growing concerns that undermine the health, safety, and well-being of both healthcare workers and the patients they serve. Nurses who are on the frontlines of patient care often face a high risk of physical and verbal abuse. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers experience violence-related injuries at five times the rate of other professions. But why would someone want to hurt a nurse who is trying to help them?

Nurses are in close proximity to sick and hurting patients. Emotions often run high when a person experiences fear or pain — both as a patient and as a close family member or friend of a patient. These strong emotions can put nurses at great risk of experiencing violence in the workplace. 

Addressing this issue is not just about protection; it's also about creating a culture of respect, safety, and dignity within healthcare settings.

What is workplace violence in nursing? 

Violence in nursing can include both physical assaults and verbal attacks including threats, harassment, and bullying. Most violent incidents in nursing involve hostile encounters with patients, however lateral violence in nursing among coworkers is also a problem. 

When a patient is scared or hurting, it is quite common for them to make verbal threats to healthcare providers, but some take it a step further and lash out physically. Hostile patient encounters often go unreported and unnoticed because many nurses accept this as part of the job. 

Workplace violence that is allowed to continue can result in psychological distress, lower employee engagement, higher turnover, reduced quality of care, and also in financial liability for the healthcare facility. 

Understanding the Scope of Workplace Violence in Nursing

Workplace violence in nursing can come from multiple sources: patients, families, coworkers, and even supervisors. It includes physical assaults such as hitting, biting or pushing and verbal abuse such as threats, yelling and discriminatory or defamatory remarks. Nurse abuse also includes sexual harassment, bullying and lateral violence in nursing. 

The impact of workplace violence in nursing goes far beyond physical injuries. It contributes to burnout, job dissatisfaction, anxiety, and high turnover rates—all of which strain the healthcare system and create even larger nursing issues.

Nursingworld.org reports that according to a survey conducted in 2021, two nurses are assaulted in the acute care setting every hour. One in four nurses has been assaulted at work, but only 20-60% of all incidences of workplace violence in nursing are reported. 

What can healthcare facilities do to help combat workplace violence in nursing? 

Create clear reporting protocols and policies to protect nurses

All healthcare facilities must not only develop but strictly enforce anti-violence policies. These policies should include things such as zero-tolerance statements, clear definitions of unacceptable behavior, and procedures for responding to incidents including legal action when necessary. 

Healthcare facilities should also create confidential reporting systems where nurses feel comfortable reporting instances of violence whether from a patient, family member or even lateral violence in nursing from a colleague without fear of retaliation. 

Train nurses to recognize potentially violent situations and de-escalate risks

Routine training in violence de-escalation techniques empowers nurses to feel comfortable managing potentially violent situations effectively. These techniques may include: reading early warning signs of aggression, using non-threatening body language and tone in confrontation, and practicing techniques proven to help calm agitated individuals. Training in simulations and using a scenario-based approach can make learning these techniques more practical and allow nurses to better apply them in real-life situations. 

Improve staffing and work environments

Working long hours, understaffing nursing positions, and high patient to nurse ratios can all contribute to increased violence in the workplace by causing increased stress that may lead to burnout. By addressing systemic issues like having adequate nurse-to-patient ratios, adhering to fair scheduling practices, and ensuring that nurses have enforced breaks and recovery time can reduce pressure points and contribute to a less volatile environment.

Increase security measures

Prevention of violence in the first place should always be the goal of healthcare facilities, but having a strong security presence can also deter violence and provide quick response if necessary. This can include panic buttons or mobile alerts for nurses, secure and well-lit workspaces, surveillance cameras, and on-site security training in healthcare-specific threats. It’s important for healthcare facilities to assess their own environments on a regular basis to help identify and mitigate potential safety risks for nurses and other healthcare staff. 

Support nurses after violent incidents

Post-incident is vital to a nurse’s healing and well-being. Healthcare facilities should offer stress debriefings after incidents occur, access to counseling or Employee Assistance Programs, and paid leave if needed. A transparent review of incidents without judgement is necessary to prevent recurrence. Healthcare facilities must let nurse victims know that the institution is on their side. Showing empathy and taking the necessary steps after an incident helps demonstrate that the facility is committed to its nurses. 

Create a culture of respect 

Preventing workplace violence isn’t just about reacting to incidents once they’ve occurred, it’s also about creating a culture that values respect for others and psychological safety. Healthcare facilities must model respectful behavior of all individuals in their employ, address racism, sexism and bias, and promote team collaboration and communication. Creating a healthier work environment for all will better prevent aggression from becoming a problem. 

What can you do to help end workplace violence in nursing? 

Gather with your nurse co-workers and talk to your nurse managers and healthcare facility administrators. Ask them to take a stand against workplace violence in nursing and against nurse abuse. The statistics are alarming, and it’s important that you feel safe in your job. 

Post on social media and raise awareness for HAVhope day on June 6. HAVhope Friday is a national day of awareness designed to highlight how healthcare facilities combat violence in their workplaces and communities. Share using #HAVhope and talk about what your facility is doing to combat violence. 

Combating workplace violence in nursing

Reducing workplace violence in nursing and stopping nurse abuse requires a multifaceted approach combining policy changes, education and training, environmental adjustments, and cultural change. Nurses must be protected as they dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Achieve Test Prep is taking a stand against workplace violence in nursing by raising awareness and encouraging healthcare facilities to take action for the safety and well-being of all nurses. We must work together to build a safer and more supportive future for nurses.