b'AWARENESS GUIDE|tation and aggressionIllness can cause agitation and aggressionMichelle Mahon, RN, a representative for National Nurses United, points out, It could be you. You can get your wisdom teeth pulled and be out of your head from that anesthesia drug and not in a good deci-sion-making capacity. You could be con-fused, not understand whats happening, and assault your nurse. Currently, 30 states have increased WHAT CAN WE DO?penalties for assaults against nurses andWe are in a conundrummany of our patients cannot help the situation that they are in, so it other healthcare workers and Ohio has evenis difficult to criminalize them.This, in turn, posted warnings in their healthcare facilitiesleads to underreporting violence against nurs-ing and other healthcare professionals.warning that violence is not permitted. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, An integrated approach should be actively pursued at all levels of intervention based on the combined and balanced con-Administration (OSHA) has published guide- Create a barrier.Putting a barriersideration of prevention and treatment.lines that recommends that each institutionbetween you and your offender increasesVarious approaches may include safe develop workplace violence prevention pro- the likelihood of escape. staffing and unit-specific plans with direct grams, that workers are trained in workplaceDefend yourself.As a nurse or health- input from staff, with re-evaluation quar-violence, and that all violence is documented. care provider, it does not feel like youterly.Hospitals may also utilize other ini-Yet the numbers are still on the rise. are able to defend yourselfbut you are,tiatives, such as alarms and alerts for especially if you are at risk for injury. assistance, though these can be costly for ADVOCACY GROUPS Report the incident.Many incidentsrural facilities.nVarious advocacy groups are on the rise.are not reported for fear of retaliation. One of the largest is the Silent No MoreHowever, you should report the incident. RESOURCESFoundation.Founder Angela SimpsonTake a leave of absence.If you are ner- Benyon, B. (2019, August 15). Violence founded the foundation after being stirred byvous to go back to work or are having aagainst nurses: a major issue in healthcare. a nurse who was raped and beaten, as well asdifficult time dealing with the traumaticOncology Nursing News. https://www.having been hit by a dementia patient. experience, taking a leave of absence mayoncnursingnews.com/web-exclusives/Simpson has proposed legislation to allbe important can help you deal with theviolence-against-nurses-a-major-issue-in-states that provides the following protec- anxiety and trauma. healthcaretions to healthcare workersGet support.Seek help if needed.It isLee, N. (n.d.). Nurses say violent assaults Assault against healthcare workers is aimportant to surround yourself withagainst healthcare workers are a silent epi-felony supportive people and seek professionaldemic. Nurse.Org. Retrieved October 18, At least two law enforcement workersguidance if you need it. 2020, from https://nurse.org/articles/work-must be present with offenders place-violence-in-nursing-and-hospitals/Facilities should provide panic buttonsCAUSES OF VIOLENCE Stephens, W. (2019, May 19). Violence in on badges for victims to signal help Hospital-based violence has been an issue foragainst healthcare workers: a rising epi-There should be anti-retaliation protec- years.What is causing our patients to incitedemic. AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/tions in place violence against us? view/violence-against-healthcare-work-In addition, Simpson offers the followingThere are various reasons why patientsers-a-rising-epidemicadvice to healthcare professionals who feelmay patients may become violentWorkplace violence. (2020, October). their life is in danger from violenceThe hospital setting can be stressful toAmerican Nurses Association. https://Try to escape from violence.If escape ispatients and family members www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/not possible, yell for help. Patients can become fearful, causing agi- advocacy/state/workplace-violence2/12 AWARENESS GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'