Understanding and Addressing Workplace Violence Against Hospital and Emergency Workers

Abstract

Two major consequences of workplace violence are physical injuries and psychological trauma. Physical injuries, including lacerations and concussions, can sometimes prove to be fatal. Psychological trauma, which can result from even attempted violence, can have serious long-lasting effects. Workers who are severely physically and psychologically traumatized may be unable to work for long periods or may even leave healthcare work altogether. Staffing shortages in healthcare mean that there are not nearly enough nurses to fill severe shortages in the nursing workforce. In addition, injury and trauma in nurses tie up other healthcare workers, including physicians and other nurses, who are necessarily diverted from scheduled work to fill in for their absent colleagues. Finally, healthcare workers who were recently assaulted are more likely to be assaulted again. Therefore, physical and psychological trauma are not only important outcomes of workplace violence in hospitals and emergency rooms; they also help perpetuate that violence.