Nurse administrators’ main priority is maintaining the well-being and success of their employees, including mitigating workplace violence and fostering safe environments for nurses and patients. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred an uptick in harassment and workplace violence in healthcare settings, especially patient harassment toward nurses. This trend poses challenges to the well-being of nursing professionals and, if left unaddressed, patient care.
Nurse administrators play a critical role in improving workplace culture, however. Graduates of the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Administration program explore organizational structures and management strategies that create supportive and inclusive workplaces. Practicum experiences with preceptor support allow students to apply these techniques in real-world situations.
What Is Workplace Violence and Harassment?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace violence is “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.” Workplace violence may include threats, verbal abuse, physical assault and even homicide.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines harassment as “unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).”
Behaviors classified as harassment meet two conditions:
- The behavior creates an intimidating, hostile or abusive work environment
- The employee must endure the behavior to continue their employment
Healthcare is not the only industry that deals with this challenge. Taxi driving and education are just two areas that also experience workplace violence, making it an important issue to address.
How Common Are Workplace Violence and Harassment in Nursing?
Unfortunately, workplace violence and harassment affect a significant portion of nurses. The American Nurses Association (ANA) reports that:
- One in four nurses has experienced assault.
- Only 20-60% of incidents are reported, reflecting that the issue may be more prominent.
- Workplace violence accounts for 13% of missed workdays.
However, industry-wide initiatives are underway to improve the profession’s safety. The American Nurses Association (ANA) created the #EndNurseAbuse campaign and resources to support nurses and employers in addressing troubling behavior, from rudeness and bullying to emotional and physical abuse.
How Can Nurse Leaders and Administrators Combat Workplace Violence?
Nurse administrators play a pivotal role in addressing and reducing workplace violence. By implementing comprehensive strategies and gaining buy-in from executive leadership, administrators can create safe and supportive environments for nurses and patients alike. The following are just a few examples of approaches nurse administrators can take to address workplace violence:
- Zero-tolerance policy. Nurse leaders can develop and enforce clear policies addressing workplace violence, such as emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach. They can ensure these policies are communicated effectively to all staff members and patients by placing visible signage throughout healthcare facilities, which reminds staff and visitors of the importance of maintaining a respectful environment.
- Conflict resolution. Healthcare staff should receive regular instruction and continuing education on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. These sessions will provide the skills to recognize potential combative interactions quickly and intervene.
- Patient education. Administrators can encourage empathy and understanding among patients by distributing educational materials for them and their families. These materials can bring attention to healthcare professionals’ challenges in providing the best care and remind patients of appropriate and expected behavior.
- Incident reporting and support systems. Nurse leaders should implement incident reporting systems so nurses can report incidents easily and without fear of reprisal. Offering counseling — whether with professionals or even peer-to-peer groups — can promote a supportive, caring culture and opportunity to heal for those who have experienced workplace violence.
How an Advanced Degree Can Help
Emotions can run high in nursing, increasing the risk of patient or coworker harassment and violence. Graduates of TAMIU’s online MSN – Nursing Administration program can be instrumental in preventing these workplace incidents as nurse administrators. Courses like Organizational Behavior or Transformational Leadership prepare graduates to use evidence-based practice, management, analysis and transition strategies to be effective healthcare leaders.
By taking proactive measures, such as policy changes and patient and staff education, graduates can create environments that prioritize safety and well-being.
Learn more about TAMIU’s online MSN – Nursing Administration program.
