Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior that occurs at work. It can come from patients, visitors, coworkers, supervisors, or strangers. As healthcare workers, nurses are vital members of the healthcare system. They work long hours, often in high-stress situations, and provide essential care to patients. Unfortunately, they face a high risk of workplace violence, especially in hospital settings. Workplace violence can affect their physical and mental health, as well as their job satisfaction, and performance. During the past year we have seen Nurse retention rates being impacted by staff leaving hospitals due to the high risk of being victimized while taking care of patients.
HEALTHCARE SECURITY EXPERT
The causes of workplace violence in healthcare settings are complex and multifaceted. Some of the risk factors include:
– Working with people who have a history of violence or mental illness.
– Working in areas with high crime rates.
– Working alone or in isolated areas.
– Working in understaffed or overcrowded conditions.
– Working with volatile or unpredictable situations.
– Working with patients who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
– Working with patients who are in pain or distress.
To prevent workplace violence against nurses, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach that involves multiple stakeholders and strategies. Here are some of the best practices for workplace violence prevention for nurses:
– Become familiar with your organization’s workplace violence prevention program and policies.
– Attend personal safety training programs offered by your organization.
– Participate in safety, health, and security committees.
– Participate in employee complaint or suggestion surveys.
– Report violent incidents promptly and accurately.
– Identify institutional, environmental, and policy risk factors for workplace violence.
– Recognize behavioral warning signs of violence in individuals.
– Define communication skills used to prevent and manage workplace violence.
– Use de-escalation techniques when dealing with aggressive or hostile behavior.
– Seek support from your colleagues, managers, counselors, or employee assistance programs after a violent incident.
What is The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act?
The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195) is a bill that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 16, 2021, but has not yet been passed by the U.S. Senate. The bill would require certain employers in the health care and social service sectors to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans and comply with an occupational safety and health standard issued by the Department of Labor.
Why is a healthcare security consultant important?
Workplace violence prevention for nurses is not only a matter of safety but also a matter of quality, productivity, and satisfaction. Nurses who work in a safe and supportive environment can provide better care for their patients, perform better at their jobs, and enjoy their careers more.
However, workplace violence prevention for nurses is not something that can be achieved by nurses alone. It requires a collaborative effort from healthcare organizations, managers, security professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
That’s why hiring a healthcare security consultant can be a smart decision for healthcare organizations that want to prevent workplace violence against nurses. A strategic security management consulting company can help you:
– Assess your current situation and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
– Develop a customized workplace violence prevention program that meets your needs and goals.
– Implement effective strategies and solutions that reduce risks and enhance safety.
– Evaluate your progress and outcomes and provide feedback and recommendations.
– Train your staff on how to prevent and respond to workplace violence incidents.
HEALTHCARE SECURITY CONSULTANT
If you are interested in hiring a strategic security management consulting company for your healthcare organization, please contact us today. At Strategic Security Management Consulting We have extensive experience and expertise in workplace violence prevention for nurses and other healthcare workers. We can help you create a safer and more secure work environment for your nurses. You can reach us online or by phone at 407-385-9167.
