lOMoARcPSD|5734770
Name
C493 Leadership Experience-JLP1
Western Governor’s University
, lOMoARcPSD|5734770
A1: Problem or Issue
Violence in the workplace is a common issue among Emergency Departments (ED).
Violence is described as any act or threat of physical violence, intimidation, harassment, or other
threatening disruptive behavior at the workplace (Workplace Violence nd.). In the completed
survey of 6504 ED nurses, 54.5% experienced violence in the previous seven days, and 62.2%
experienced more than one episode during that same 7-day period. Those numbers seem high
but actual rates are probably higher due to lack of reporting (Stowell et al., 2016). The
knowledge to assess risks for violence on admission to the ED is key to preventing violent
episodes keeping staff and patients safe.
A1A: Explanation of Problem or Issue
Certain patients pose a higher risk, such as those with mental health complaints, acute
pain, substance abuse issues, or presenting with law enforcement. Many items in an ED room
can be used against themselves or staff. Violent events that occur can cause nurses to feel
angry, anxious, or lead to depression. Nurses feel victimized, which impacts general
productivity, cannot handle workloads and decreases safe and competent care.
A2: Investigation
Working in two ED’s the past twenty years as a registered nurse, I have had numerous
encounters with workplace violence (WPV). Most all the episodes were predictable, in the
case of patients presenting with violent behavior or mental health issues. One memorable
event occurred many years ago. A patient presented with mental health concerns, and as I was
completing my initial intake, the patient started yelling, pushed me into a corner where I didn’t
Name
C493 Leadership Experience-JLP1
Western Governor’s University
, lOMoARcPSD|5734770
A1: Problem or Issue
Violence in the workplace is a common issue among Emergency Departments (ED).
Violence is described as any act or threat of physical violence, intimidation, harassment, or other
threatening disruptive behavior at the workplace (Workplace Violence nd.). In the completed
survey of 6504 ED nurses, 54.5% experienced violence in the previous seven days, and 62.2%
experienced more than one episode during that same 7-day period. Those numbers seem high
but actual rates are probably higher due to lack of reporting (Stowell et al., 2016). The
knowledge to assess risks for violence on admission to the ED is key to preventing violent
episodes keeping staff and patients safe.
A1A: Explanation of Problem or Issue
Certain patients pose a higher risk, such as those with mental health complaints, acute
pain, substance abuse issues, or presenting with law enforcement. Many items in an ED room
can be used against themselves or staff. Violent events that occur can cause nurses to feel
angry, anxious, or lead to depression. Nurses feel victimized, which impacts general
productivity, cannot handle workloads and decreases safe and competent care.
A2: Investigation
Working in two ED’s the past twenty years as a registered nurse, I have had numerous
encounters with workplace violence (WPV). Most all the episodes were predictable, in the
case of patients presenting with violent behavior or mental health issues. One memorable
event occurred many years ago. A patient presented with mental health concerns, and as I was
completing my initial intake, the patient started yelling, pushed me into a corner where I didn’t
