Workplace violence in the emergency department: giving staff the tools and support to report

Perm J. 2015 Spring;19(2):e113-7. doi: 10.7812/TPP/14-187.

Abstract

Workplace violence is increasing across the nation's Emergency Departments, and nurses often perceive it as part of their job. Reporting processes were inconsistent, and nurses often did not know what acts constitute violence and underreported it. A staff nurse-led workgroup developed an initial survey and a reporting tool, and education was provided. A posteducation survey documented the reporting of violent acts has increased, and staff perceived the Emergency Department to be a safer environment.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Education, Nursing / methods
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Midwestern United States / epidemiology
  • Nurse's Role
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Violence / prevention & control
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Workplace*