Preventing Workplace Violence to Protect Nurses and Our Patients

Workplace violence rates in health care have accelerated significantly since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, on top of steep increases seen over the past decade. Nurses experience significant impacts from workplace violence, including physical and psychological injuries, stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is no surprise that workplace violence is implicated in high rates of turnover and nurses’ decisions to leave the profession.

This class will examine the issue of workplace violence and how it arises in health care settings. We will explore contributing factors and reasons for the recent acceleration in rates. Then, we will investigate workplace violence prevention measures by examining data and experiences on effectiveness. The class will conclude with a discussion about the strategies that nurses can employ to prevent workplace violence and to advocate for safer patient care in their facilities.