Workplace Violence
A White Paper Developed by the
MNA Practice and Education Committee.

Background
Part I - Violent Patients – How to Cope
Part II - Documentation and Reporting of Violence
Part III - Employee/Co-Worker Violence
Part IV - Employer Responsibilities when Violence Occurs

Background

Violence is any physically or verbally abusive behavior, with or without a weapon, against persons or property, including obscene phone calls, intimidation, harassment of any kind, psychological trauma, being followed, shouted at or sworn at, pushing, striking, slamming objects, hitting walls, etc.

Violence is very common in the healthcare workplace and isn't limited to any particular settings. Violence has been reported in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, home health, community settings, and psychiatric settings.

There is value to employers to minimize the threat of violence to workers. It is disruptive to productivity and effectiveness of work, and will negatively impact job satisfaction and recruitment and retention of staff. A zero tolerance policy toward violence in the workplace needs to be enforced by a committed administration and supported by organizational policies, protocols and procedures that demonstrate zero tolerance.

MNA Focus to Decrease Workplace Violence

The MNA believes that employers and employees have a responsibility to work together to decrease workplace violence.