b'| AWARENESS GUIDEViolence Prevention Nursing & Advocacy for safety in the inpatient settingBy Krystina Ostermeyer RN, BSN, CDEIType 1involves criminal intent. In this type, individuals can clearly remember the day that I got slapped in the face by a patient. with criminal intent have no relationship to the business or its This patient was attempting to punch me, but he was too weak.employees.This was a victory on my parthad he been stronger, I could haveType 2involves a customer, client, or patient.In this type, indi-had a serious injury to my right orbital.As it was, I was terrified. vidual has a relationship with the business and becomes violent I was working night shift.At the beginning of the shift, there waswhile receiving services.no report of the patient being confused.Fast forward a few hoursType 3involves worker-on-worker and includes employees and the man made his way to the nurses station where I was sit- who attack or threaten another employee.ting alone in a corner, charting.My colleagues were busily in otherType 4involves personal relationships.In this type, individuals rooms, caring for their patients. who have interpersonal relationships with the intended target but Before I knew what was happening, he had me cornered and I gotno relationship to the business.slapped in the face. In healthcare, type 2 and 3 are undoubtedly the most common.Im not alone in experiencing violence in the workplace.In fact, some studies indicate that there has been a 110% increase in violentLEGISLATIONinjuries sustained against healthcare workers in the last decade. Some states have legislation that aims to protect nurses against work-And this number may actually be more, as reports indicate thatplace violence, especially patient-to-nurse violence.However, this is violence is underreported. largely on a state-to-state basis.Currently, 30 states have increased penalties for assaults against TYPES OF VIOLENCE nurses and other healthcare workers and Ohio has even posted warn-According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Healthings in their healthcare facilities warning that violence is not permitted.ISTOCK(NIOSH), there are four different types of workplace violenceThe U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health www.elitecme.com |2020| AWARENESS GUIDE 11'