An alarming trend is emerging in the nursing profession: a significant number of nurses are encountering violence and aggression so frequently that it’s becoming a disturbing norm. This escalation in hostility is pushing many to the brink, with thoughts of abandoning their careers in healthcare.
As we step into April, recognized by the National Institutes of Health as Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, the issue takes center stage with the release of two pivotal reports. These publications shine a light on the harsh reality that assaults against nurses are not only escalating but have reached unprecedented levels.
The Press Ganey safety culture report, released on April 2, reveals a startling 5% increase in assaults against nurses in just one year, marking an all-time high. The rate of reported assaults surged from 2.59 per 100 personnel in 2022 to 2.71 in 2023. It also highlights a concerning statistic: nearly one-third of registered nurses have endured violence from patients or their families “occasionally” or “frequently” during their shifts.
The findings point out that the majority of these violent encounters occur within psychiatric units, with the emergency department, and adult and pediatric units trailing behind. Notably, the perioperative units also report such incidents, albeit at a lower frequency.
In a separate but equally alarming study by the Emergency Nurses Association, which surveyed nearly 500 members, more than half reported experiencing physical or verbal assaults, or threats thereof, within a mere 30-day period. A significant 10% are contemplating leaving the nursing field due to these safety concerns.
However, there’s a silver lining. The focus on enhancing workplace safety and security within healthcare is beginning to show promise. Measures such as de-escalation training, the formation of rapid response teams, the implementation of clear public policies, and the proactive flagging of concerns in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are being recognized by nurses as effective steps towards a safer work environment.
The urgency for federal intervention is growing louder, with healthcare professionals advocating for legislative action. Leading organizations like the American Nurses Association, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Emergency Nurses Association are rallying for the passage of two critical bills designed to fortify safety protections for healthcare workers, signaling a united front in the battle against workplace violence.