Abstract
Background
Workplace violence is not a unique problem to organizations. Evidence-based toolkits
and strategies are available to help provide a guiding framework for the reduction
of workplace violence events. As times and stressors (both personal and environmental)
change, hospitals must keep constant attention on how to address and implement initiatives
to keep staff safe. This manuscript addresses steps taken at 1 hospital to meet this
challenge.
Process
Although a workplace violence committee had been in place for some time, it was identified
that not all of the key players were included. Membership was evaluated, and executive-level
support was provided. A review of literature was conducted and identified top priorities
upon which to focus efforts. Subcommittees were formed to be responsible for these
categories of work and to report back to the committee.
Evaluation
Data points and a dashboard were created to monitor trends and effectiveness, especially
regarding combating the culture of underreporting. Processes and resources were formalized
and made easily accessible to staff. Case studies and direct feedback from staff have
been impactful and helped identify additional barriers. Evaluation will continue to
occur using process-improvement methodology along with technological assistance.
Conclusions
Workplace violence is not part of the job. Ongoing work is needed to continue to move
the needle and make hospitals a safer place to work. Engagement from all levels of
the organization is necessary to have a successful program.
Key words
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References
- 2011. Emergency Department Violence Surveillance Report (ena.org).https://enau.ena.org/Users/LearningActivity/LearningActivityDetail.aspx?LearningActivityID=5lVX5JyabLpXrIkqUZdKWQ%3D%3D&tab=4Date accessed: February 23, 2022
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Biography
Tamera Dunseth-Rosenbaum is Chief Nursing Officer, University of Colorado Health Southern Region, Colorado Springs, CO.
Biography
Kyra Krueger is Clinical Nurse Specialist, Member of the Colorado Emergency Nurses Association, University of Colorado Health Southern Region Emergency Services, Colorado Springs, CO.
Biography
Elizabeth Spradlin is Nursing Program Manager, University of Colorado Health Southern Region, Colorado Springs, CO.
Biography
Courtney Hoffbauer is Associate Chief Nursing Officer, University of Colorado Health Southern Region, Colorado Springs, CO.
Biography
Patricia Loper is Patient Safety Specialist RN Lead, University of Colorado Health Southern Region, Colorado Springs, CO.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 22,
2023
Received in revised form:
January 18,
2023
Received:
December 15,
2022
Footnotes
Send Submissions to Rochelle R. Flayter (Armola), MSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN at [email protected]
Section Editor: Rochelle R. Flayter (Armola), MSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
