Hospital Staff Face Rising Threats: Workplace Violence Incidents Surge in 2024

Hospital and Healthcare Security Workplace Violence Consultant

In recent years, healthcare workers have faced unprecedented challenges, from a global pandemic to staffing shortages. Now, a disturbing trend is emerging that threatens the safety and well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Workplace violence in healthcare settings is on the rise, with hospital staff, particularly nurses, bearing the brunt of this alarming surge.

The Scope of the Problem

According to a comprehensive survey conducted over a full year, from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, by National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States, an astounding 81.6% of nurses reported experiencing at least one type of workplace violence within the past year. Even more concerning, 45.5% of nurses surveyed noted an increase in workplace violence on their unit in the previous year, with 26.3% reporting that violence had “increased a lot.”

From verbal threats to physical assaults, healthcare workers are encountering a wide range of violent behaviors. The survey revealed the following types of violence experienced by nurses in the past year:

1. Verbal threats (67.8%)
2. Physical threats (38.7%)
3. Pinched or scratched (37.3%)
4. Slapped, punched, or kicked (36.2%)
5. Objects thrown at them (34.6%)
6. Verbal harassment based on sex or appearance (33.3%)
7. Spat on or exposed to other bodily fluids (29.9%)
8. Groped or touched inappropriately (19.8%)

The Human Cost

The impact of this violence extends far beyond the immediate physical harm. It takes a significant toll on the mental health and job satisfaction of healthcare workers.

The survey also highlighted the psychological and physical toll of workplace violence:

65.3% of nurses reported experiencing anxiety, fear, or increased vigilance
37.2% considered leaving the profession
33.4% suffered physical injury or other physical symptoms
27.4% had difficulty working in environments that reminded them of past incidents
22.9% took time off work or reduced their work hours
19.2% changed or left their job

The exodus of experienced professionals not only exacerbates the existing staffing crisis but also threatens the quality of patient care. The level of aggression we’re seeing now is unprecedented. It’s not just affecting healthcare professionals’ safety; it’s impacting their ability to provide the best care possible to our patients.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors to Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings

Several factors contribute to the rise in workplace violence in healthcare settings:

1. Staffing Shortages: Inadequate staffing levels lead to increased wait times, unmet patient needs, and heightened stress for both patients and staff. Only 29.5% of nurses report that their employer has staff available at all times to respond to workplace violence incidents.
2. Lack of Effective Prevention Strategies: Many healthcare facilities have failed to implement proven measures to prevent workplace violence. Only 62.8% of nurses reported that their employer provides training on workplace violence prevention, and a mere 17% reported that their employer places additional staff to reduce the risk of violence.
3. Insufficient Reporting Mechanisms: Only 31.7% of nurses reported that their employer provides a clear way to report violent incidents. This lack of reporting infrastructure makes it challenging to track and address the problem effectively.
4. Inadequate Employer Response: The survey revealed concerning trends in how employers respond to workplace violence:
   • 44.8% of nurses reported that their employer ignores incidents
   • 29% said their employer reprimands or blames employees
   • Only 21.2% reported that their employer changes practices to reduce the risk of violence
5. Societal Factors: The ongoing stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic pressures, and social unrest have contributed to increased tension and aggression in various settings, including healthcare facilities.

Prevention Strategies and Best Practices

To combat this rising tide of violence, healthcare organizations must take a proactive approach to prevention. Some effective strategies include:

1. Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plans: Develop and implement unit-specific workplace violence prevention plans with input from frontline staff.
2. Adequate Staffing: Ensure safe staffing levels to reduce wait times, meet patient needs, and decrease stress for both patients and staff.
3. Training and Education: Provide regular, comprehensive training on violence prevention, de-escalation techniques, and proper reporting procedures.
4. Environmental Design: Implement physical changes to the workspace to enhance security, such as improved lighting, security cameras, and panic buttons. Currently, only 24.8% of nurses reported that their employer uses security cameras.
5. Clear Reporting Systems: Establish and communicate clear, accessible methods for reporting violent incidents without fear of retaliation.
6. Support Services: Offer counseling and support services for staff who have experienced workplace violence. Only 27.7% of nurses reported that their employer provides access to counseling after incidents.
7. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Foster strong relationships with local law enforcement to ensure rapid response and support when needed.

As security consultants and workplace violence experts specializing in healthcare settings, we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach. Effective violence prevention isn’t just about having security guards or metal detectors. It’s about creating a culture of safety that involves everyone – from the C-suite to the frontline staff.

Legislative Action and Industry Response

Recognizing the severity of the issue, lawmakers have introduced the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (S. 1176/H.R. 2663). This legislation aims to mandate that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) create a standard requiring healthcare and social service employers to develop and maintain effective workplace violence prevention plans.

Industry organizations are also taking action. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has launched initiatives to support its members in addressing workplace violence, including providing resources, best practices, and advocacy efforts.

​​Hospital and Healthcare Security Workplace Violence Expert

At Strategic Security Management Consulting (SSMC), our team are experienced workplace violence prevention experts who work in healthcare settings. Our workplace violence consultants understand which prevention and response strategies are effective, and not all workplace violence prevention measures are costly to implement. We recommend contacting our workplace violence consultants before your hospital or business invests in expensive security and safety measures that may not be effective in preventing verbal or physical attacks upon staff.

Take the first step towards a more secure workplace today. Contact us online or call us at 407-385-9167 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your staff and improve your healthcare facility’s security posture. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against workplace violence in healthcare.

Sources:

The statistics and data presented in this article are primarily sourced from the Workplace Violence report published by National Nurses United.

For more detailed information and the full report, please visit:
https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/sites/default/files/nnu/documents/0224_Workplace_Violence_Report.pdf