Securing the Future of Healthcare: Addressing Violence to Help Retain Talent

In recent years, healthcare workers, especially nurses, have faced an alarming rise in workplace violence.  “Workplace violence has become a growing concern over the past decade,” says David Musyj, the President and CEO at Windsor Regional Hospital. “During and after the pandemic, we saw a heightening of people’s emotions. Isolation during the pandemic negatively impacted people’s behavior and conduct. Unfortunately, this translated into a rise in violence towards hospital staff.”

This growing threat has led to increased burnout, stress, and staff turnover, creating a crisis that demands immediate attention. Nurses are the backbone of patient care, and their safety must be a top priority to reduce fear and exhaustion that drive many to leave the profession. As hospitals grapple with retention challenges, addressing workplace violence has become more critical than ever. 

The Impact of Workplace Violence on Nurses 

The rise in workplace violence has placed immense stress on dedicated nursing professionals. According to the National Nurses United (NNU), eight in 10 nurses (81.6 percent) have experienced at least one type of workplace violence within the past year. Nearly half of nurses (45.5 percent) reported an increase in workplace violence in their unit in the previous year, while only 3.8 percent reported a decrease. Nurses experience multiple types of workplace violence daily, with the most common being verbal threats (67.8 percent), physical threats (38.7 percent), and being pinched or scratched (37.3 percent). 

Recent years have also shown a significant rise in nursing strikes. One of the primary drivers of these strikes is workplace violence. The NNU report highlights that six in 10 registered nurses have considered leaving their job due to workplace violence[2]. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and systemic changes to support the safety and well-being of healthcare workers. 

The Stress on HR Directors and Chief People Officers 

The responsibility of maintaining a safe and supportive work environment for nurses falls heavily on HR directors and chief people officers. These leaders face significant stress as they strive to address workplace violence and improve nurse retention. The challenges they encounter include: 

• Implementing Safety Measures: Developing and enforcing safety protocols to protect nurses from violence requires substantial effort and resources. HR leaders must balance the need for security with the practicalities of healthcare operations. By implementing a weapons detection system within your facility, you can identify risks early on. See how Windsor Regional Hospital implemented Evolv’s Weapon Detection System and found over 3,100 threats in their hospitals. [3] 

• Supporting Mental Health: Providing mental health resources and support for nurses is crucial in mitigating the effects of workplace violence. HR directors must ensure that these resources are accessible and effective. 

• Retaining Talent: The high turnover rates among nurses place additional pressure on HR leaders to develop strategies for retaining skilled professionals. This includes creating a positive work environment, offering competitive benefits, and addressing the root causes of workplace violence. 

Conclusion 

Angela Lang, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Windsor Regional Hospital says it plain, “When some of our patients or visitors come to our Emergency Departments, they may be having the worst day of their life. People’s emotions run high. People do stupid things.” 

Addressing workplace violence in healthcare is not just about protecting nurses; it is about securing the future of the healthcare system. Prioritizing the safety and well-being of nurses is an important step to address nurse retention, satisfaction, and efficiency, and support quality patient care. HR directors and chief people officers play a vital role in this effort, and their dedication to creating a safe and supportive work environment is essential for the success of healthcare organizations. 

Join our upcoming webinar, presented in partnership with AONL, on April 23rd. Healthcare leaders will discuss the deep impact of workplace violence on nurse morale, how it drives dissatisfaction and attrition, and proactive measures that address safeguarding staff and promoting long-term retention. Register Today.