A while back I had an interview with DR. Charles Anderson on PWRN internet radio. We were discussing the violence in healthcare and what could we do about.I am writing the first of our list in Implementing lasting deterrents to healthcare violence.
What do you think?
Re- education of nurses. In some cultures, suffering in silence is traditional. In some cultures self-flogging is a virtue. Nurses need to agree on a ZERO Tolerance Policy for verbal and physical violence. No amount of pain,or delirium,or intoxication,or organic brain disease should excuse a patient from responsibility for his actions,or from being reported as an offender.We cannot dismiss aggressive behavior because it was unintended or because no bones were broken or eyes clawed out.
All assaults must be reported so that perpetrators can have their charts flagged. When a perpetrator registers the next time,hospital employers will know immediately if there is a history of aggressive behavior. Without 100 percent reporting, future injuries cannot be prevented. Being assaulted is never a part of a healthcare worker's job. A nurse who doesn't report verbal pr physical abuse is making it easier for a co-worker to get hurt later
Sheila Wilson MPH BSN R.N.
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