Learning Objective #1: Recognize the elements of workplace violence as defined by regulatory agencies, including the American Nurses Association

Learning Objective #2: Analyze nurses' physiological and psychological responses to violence in the healthcare setting

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Nurses, who are both victims and perpetrators of violence, frequently do not recognize the full continuum and broad definition of workplace violence. The purpose of this study is to identify the types and frequency of violent behaviors reported by nurses at one community, teaching hospital. This study is unique as it examines and correlates the nurses' understanding of the definition of workplace violence in relationship to the violence they have experienced in the hospital setting. Nurses' perceived ability to handle violence is also correlated to their perception of victimization. The hypotheses for this study are: Nurses do not consistently recognize workplace violence and are not prepared to handle violence in the hospital setting. Nurses define workplace violence in terms of physical injuries and do not recognize other, more common, forms of violence. The research design for this study includes a confidential, self-report questionnaire based upon literature review of related topics including workplace violence, violence against nurses, nursing culture, medical hierarchy, stress, and nurse retention. Nursing staff are asked to respond regarding perceived victimization, ability to handle violence, types of violent behaviors experienced, frequency, source, response, and formal actions taken to report the event. Demographic data including gender, ethnicity, years working in nursing, and educational level attained are correlated with the frequency and types of violence reported in the questionnaires. Qualitative data is also collected and analyzed for nurses' understanding of the definition of violence correlated to perception of victimization. Research findings support the hypotheses as 88.9% of the respondents report experiencing workplace violence, 71.0% do not recognize themselves as victims, and 56.6% do not feel prepared to handle violence. Based upon these findings, a violence prevention program was developed for the host hospital with implications for the discipline of nursing and the healthcare community.