Workplace Violence, Hostility & Safety

Violence

Workplace violence has been documented as a global, epidemic healthcare- related problem. The American Nurses Association (ANA) describes customer/client violence as an assault from a member of the public with whom the nurse interacts during the course of their regular duties. According to the ANA's website, types of violence that contribute to unsafe work environments are varying. However the customer/client violence type is prevalently experienced in healthcare, and 1 in 4 nurses are abused and experience workplace violence.

Based on anecdotal reports at MRMC, and as a follow up to a 2020 research study, evidence-based practice research council (EBPRC) members and staff asked colleagues about stress-producing events in their scope of work. It was reported that individuals were unclear about available resources and preparation to handle unsafe environments when client/visitor behaviors escalated to aggressive or unsafe situations. The EBPRC members reviewed the MRMC policies related to violence/assault/injury towards MRMC personnel. What remains unclear is if staff are aware of existing policies and are adhering to reporting guidelines pertaining to employee and stakeholder safety. Additionally, based on literature review, the problem of workplace violence perpetrated by patients and visitors is excessive and escalating nationally and internationally. Additionally, at MRMC, the EBPRC acquired documentation of the number of reported assaults, aggressive behavior or violence of stakeholders (patients and visitors) towards healthcare providers that were documented and referred to the MRMC employee health services. From the local hospital's tally, there were 28 cases from January, 10, 2020 to February 4, 2021. Of the 28 cases, seven occurred between February 2, 2021 and February 4, 2021. Hence, it is essential to conduct a study targeting healthcare workers at MRMC to identify opportunities for further intervention that creates a safety-focused, supportive culture. The Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that employees and employers work together to prevent or abate recognized hazardous and cited workplace areas for concerns and develop a successful safety and health management system especially for Healthcare and Social Services workers.

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