Thursday, June 23, 2016

Reputation is Everything

“The healthcare industry leads all other sectors in the incidence of non-fatal workplace assaults,” according to the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).   In 2013 healthcare workers reported 9,200 non-fatal workplace related to violence an amount representing more than 67% of injuries reported in all industries and professions.

The two biggest players in healthcare, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), have been sitting on the issue of violence against healthcare workers for years. Where does that leave us? Do we remain passive and suffer assaults or do we fight for our legal right to have a safe working environment?

If you have been a victim of abuse while taking care of your patient, with no one protecting you or standing up to defend you after the assault, and you are punished for rejecting the notion that assault is simply part of your job, what do you do?

We as healthcare workers dedicate our lives to taking care of, and providing treatment to, patients. We can end up putting our own safety at risk from these patients, risking assault not just from the patient but family members or even friends. This has been happening for decades. So what is the problem?

A few key factors are in play.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Oh Thank Goodness!

… Wait - Are You Kidding Me??


A June 9, 2016, article in the Patriot Ledger written by reporter Chris Burrell states:
Pembroke Hospital which is being monitored by the state department of Mental Health after a series of urgent safety violations, is looking for a new director of clinical services.
Phew, thank goodness!  I am sure now, once a new director of clinical services is found and hired, Pembroke Hospital will be fully able to properly care for its patients.

REALLY?? Are we to believe this one person has caused all these problems?

Friday, June 3, 2016

No Boundaries

There are no geographical confines of healthcare violence; it’s happening everywhere


Patrick Clarke
Patrick Clarke was 68 years old, semi-retired, and working at a South London community mental hospital.

On May 12, 2016, he lost his life. He was attacked by patient and suffered multiple stab wounds, and died at the scene.

I am saddened by this event and pained for Mr. Clarke’s family.

I am struck that his death is yet another tragic reminder that my colleagues in this profession are facing unnecessary acts of physical, verbal and psychological violence every day, everywhere.

And I am again unsettled that the nursing profession has lost yet another nurse to violence.

Please read and share your views on this event:
http://www.nursetogether.com/lost-another-one-nurse-was-stabbed-death


Sheila Wilson, RN BSN MPH
President stophealthcareviolence
www.stophealthcareviolence.org