Addressing Violence Against Hospital Staff Nurses in Healthcare Organizations

According to a current healthcare professional, nurses working in state hospitals often deal with a high incidence of violence, particularly from inmates who have committed acts of violence. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by hospital staff nurses, specifically in psychiatric facilities, and discuss the strategies implemented to prevent and address such violence.

Understanding the Scope of Violence in Healthcare Settings

Working in a healthcare organization, particularly in a state psychiatric facility, often means encountering a wide array of challenging and unpredictable situations. Our nurse, who spoke from firsthand experience, highlights a stark reality: 'when I get hurt, not if I get hurt.' This philosophy underscores the frequent occurrence of violence, encompassing physical attacks from patients who are unstable and potentially violent.

Challenges Faced by Staff Nurses

The nurse mentions dealing with a variety of patient profiles, including murderers, rapists, and sexually violent predators. These individuals are often committed to the facility for reasons ranging from mental health disorders to criminal behavior. The nurse elaborates on the different commitment codes used in such facilities, including '2684' for prisoners serving time, 'NGI: Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity' for those not deemed fit for society, and 'MDO' for mentally disordered offenders.

Commitment Codes and Their Impact

The commitment codes significantly impact the outcomes for such patients. For example, nurses noted that attacks by individuals under the '2684' code result in additional charges and extended sentences. Similarly, those under the NGI code might have their chances of restoration to sanity negatively affected by such incidents. MDO patients, who are re-evaluated annually, also face setbacks in their potential release if they act violently.

Responding to Violence in Healthcare Settings

When violence occurs, the response depends on the nature and intention behind the attack. If the patient was not in their right frame of mind and the assault is deemed accidental, the nurse is typically treated, and a report is completed. On the other hand, if the patient was aware of their actions and posed a deliberate threat, they are escorted out by law enforcement, and a formal report is filed. Legal prosecution may also be initiated in such cases.

Prevention Strategies and Patrols

Healthcare organizations, particularly psychiatric facilities, implement various preventive measures. The nurse mentioned that officers patrol the units and hallways regularly to ensure safety. This presence is crucial in deterring potential violent incidents and providing immediate intervention when necessary.

Conclusion

Addressing violence against hospital staff nurses is a critical issue in healthcare organizations, especially in psychiatric facilities. Understanding the dynamics and addressing the challenges through comprehensive strategies is essential. Collaboration between medical staff, law enforcement, and facility management is vital in creating a safer environment for both patients and staff.

Keywords:

Hospital Staff Violence Healthcare Violence Prevention Psychiatric Facility Safety