The phenomenon of Workplace Violence (WPV) is a serious concern in clinical settings. Nurses are usually victims of WPV. Risks factors associated with WPV include environmental, patient, and risk factors. In 2015, a survey conducted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in nurses and nursing students found out that 43% of the respondents had suffered a form of physical and verbal violence perpetrated by patients or patients' family members. Strategies to address WPV in clinical settings need to be implemented to foster a work environment free from
II. Body
A. Strategies to address Vertical Violence
1. Enhance knowledge about WPV and risk factors associated
a. WPV is defined as any act of aggression either verbal or physical perpetrated in the workplace. Horizontal and Vertical types of
b. Environmental and Risk Factors
Risk factors associated with WPV include poor lighting, overcrowded units, patients on substance abuse, understaffed units, etc.
2. Assessment and Application of Evidence-based skills
a. Warning signs of aggression: Signs of aggression include restlessness, anger, suspiciousness, etc.
b. Communication skills, Verbal De-escalation, Limit Setting, Team Approaches
Evidence based skills include therapeutic communication, verbal de-escalation techniques, team approaches can be useful when managing an aggressive patient.
B. Strategies for Nurses to address Horizontal Violence
1. Enhance Awareness of Horizontal Violence (HV)
a) Horizontal violence definition, examples, and trends
Horizontal violence is usually perpetrated by nurses against other nurses. Examples include bullying, profanity, etc.
2. Learn Techniques to Diffuse and Manage Horizontal Violence (HV)
Therapeutic communication skills can help nurses diffuse HV.
C. Strategies for Nurse Managers and Hospital Administrators
1. Provide Training to Prevent and Manage Incidents of WPV
In site clinical trainings to manage and prevent incidents of WPV.
2. Support Educational Opportunities Outside the Hospital for Nurses
Conferences, online, and hands-on trainings outside their hospital settings should be supported by nurse manager and administrators.
3. Address Environmental Risk Factors in the Hospital/Clinical Setting
If there are any environmental factors, they should be addressed by the hospital. Polices should be enacted to minimize incidents of horizontal and vertical violence.
III. Conclusion
The phenomenon of WPV is a serious issue that should be address in nursing clinical settings. There are multifactorial approaches that could be implemented by nurses to prevent and manage incidents of WPV. Hospital administrators and managers can help minimize incidents of WPV. Disseminating knowledge about this phenomenon and educational approaches could help promote healthy work environments for nurses.