Assaults / workplace violence

[NurseyPoo7]

I saw an article on Medscape Nurses about how the ANA has released a statement saying they will not tolerate violence and bullying against nurses.

The article says:

In a recent survey of 3765 registered nurses, almost one quarter of respondents said they had been physically assaulted at work by a patient or a patient's family member, and almost half of respondents had been bullied in some way, either by a peer (50%) or by someone with authority over them (42%).

Now, I don't know about everyone else but just about every patient who has assaulted me has either been very confused or had health issues that cause them to become violent - impulsive head injuries, Alzheimer's, delirium, etc.

Only one time do I remember being assaulted by a pt who was young and was in the hospital for a drug overdose, although you could say the drugs caused him to become violent.

Most cases where the patient (or family/visitor) has been A&O, I was only subjected to verbal assaults, threats, cursed at, etc.

What are we supposed to do in those cases? Sure, the ANA may say they don't tolerate violent and that workplaces should make efforts to ensure the staff is safe, but what else can we do?

What can we do other than ensure the patient is physically or chemically restrained if they need to be- not only sure staff safety, but for their safety as well?

I also feel that nursing schools and facilities need to offer more education with de-escalation techniques, conflict management, self defense, etc.

Does anyone else have any insight?

[SarahMaria, MSN, RN]

In my facility, a forensic stage hospital, I have the potential to be assaulted many times a shift. The ANA may say that violence will not be tolerated, but for some of us, it is a daily battle. We are well versed in de-escalation techniques, and restraints. We can also press charges against the assaulting patient if needed. The most important thing is to know your co-workers and work together to keep everyone safe.

[NurseyPoo7]

Maybe it's just my facility, but I don't remember any kind of training in descalating other than to talk in a calm quiet voice. That includes nursing school, as well.

[SarahMaria, MSN, RN]

I was taught de-escalation during work trainings: MOAB, CSS. Never was anything mentioned in nursing school.

[Jules A, MSN]

And what exactly is the ANA going to do the next time a patient hits me? Is there a toll free number to call? :)

Great point about de-escalation techniques being taught in school, that would be valuable no matter what specialty.