March 12, 2015 – Violence Against Nurses

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Anchor lead:  When hospitals turn violent it’s often against nurses, Elizabeth Tracey reports 

Violence in the workplace is a growing problem, and though rare, when it takes place in the hospital nurses often bear the brunt, federal data reveal.  Patricia Davidson, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, offers her perspective.

Davidson: Nurses are at the front line of care, and they are often involved in stressful situations. I just think about the emergency department.  People come in with their own set of expectations, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, often there’s some intoxication or even just extreme stress and frustration.  Unfortunately that’s often vented at the nurses either verbally or physically.  :25

Davidson identifies people with dementia as another group that may lash out in violent ways.  She advocates for training to help nurses recognize the potential for violence in situations and learn methods to defuse it.  At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.