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
Part III - Employee/Co-worker Violence
Employee/Co-Worker
Violence
1) Employees must be familiar with
the protocols and policies for preventing workplace
violence. Assess your workplace, monitor the protocols
and advocate for a safe workplace, including adequate
staffing.
2) Nurses must be trained to recognize and respond effectively to violent situations. Know how to assess for potential violent situations and know the tips for dealing with an escalating situation.
3) Know your patients - what are their diagnoses and do they have a history of violence. Nurses need to have complete access to their patient's social and family history.
4) Be aware that domestic violence and personal lives do spill into the workplace. Identify risk factors in self and others.
5) Always report any incidents that you have evaluated as violent or potentially violent.
We must insist on a safe workplace. Always err on the side of caution. Trust your instincts and intuition, if you feel anxious or fearful, or if you don't feel safe, you probably aren't. Act on it immediately. We need SAFETY FIRST!
Bibliography
American Nurses Association, Workplace Violence - Can You Close the Door On It?, 1999.
Distasio, C.A. Workplace Violence: Part I Violent Patients - How To Cope, Maryland Nurse Nov-Jan 1999/2000, p.12-13.
Distasio, C.A. Workplace Violence: Part II Documentation and Reporting - How to Paint the Picture, Maryland Nurse Feb-Apr 2000, p.12.
Distasio, C.A. Workplace Violence: Part III Employee / Co-Worker Violence, Maryland Nurse May-Jul 2000, p.11.
Distasio, C.A. Workplace Violence: Part IV Employer Responsibilities, Maryland Nurse Aug-Oct 2000, p.11.
Distasio, C.A. The Impact of Violence, Advance for Nurses March 12, 2001, p.25-26.
Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 1998.
Green, K. Workplace Violence in Health Care, Wyoming Nurse, Jun-Aug 2000, P. 14-15.
Paterson, B., Leadbeter, D., and Bowie, V. Supporting Nursing Staff Exposed to Violence at Work. International Journal of Nursing Studies, Dec 1999, p. 479-86.
