PATIENT AND FAMILY ANGER: WHAT TO DO WHEN FRUSTRATION SPILLS INTO THE WORKPLACE (3HR)

Course overview

Workplace violence in healthcare settings can affect anyone who works or volunteers in such areas. Violence can also affect other patients, families, and visitors. It is imperative that persons who work in healthcare know the factors which trigger violent behavior and which actions to take to reduce the potential for that violence. They must also know how to deal with violence, whether it is verbal or physical, if and when it does occur. This education program is designed to help nurses reduce the occurrence of workplace violence and to intervene effectively when it does occur. Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the incidence and prevalence of violence in the workplace. 2. Identify barriers to reporting incidents of workplace violence. 3. Predict what factors trigger violence in healthcare work settings. 4. Relate how communication affects the ability to reduce/prevent workplace violence in healthcare settings. 5. Identify strategies to reduce the potential for workplace violence in healthcare settings, and prepare staff on how to deal with it when it occurs. In summary, violence in the workplace is a problem that must be dealt with by every organization. A zero tolerance for such violence must be clearly established and upheld by all members of the administrative and management staff. A workplace violence prevention program must be developed and implemented with the cooperation and support of all employees. Barriers to the reporting of workplace violence must be identified and eliminated, and reasons for the occurrence of such violence discussed. All employees, including administrators and managers, must receive ongoing training and continuing education about the incidence and prevalence of workplace violence, how to prevent such violence, and how to deal with it if it occurs. Competency of the ability to help prevent and deal with workplace violence should be assessed. Workplace violence should be part of the annual mandatory training that all employees receive. Data pertaining to the organization’s specific record of incidence and prevalence of workplace violence, as well as the violence prevention program’s strengths and weaknesses, should be shared with employees. Employees have the right to know just how safe their workplace is. Employees also have the responsibility to help enhance the safety of their work environment. Responsibilities include helping to write and evaluate relevant policies and procedures, participating in continuing education and training pertaining to workplace violence, and reporting unsafe conditions including documenting incidents of workplace violence. Workplace safety is the responsibility of all employees!