Empowering Nurses in an Era of Workplace Violence

The Impact of Workplace Violence on Nurses 

Workplace violence is a growing crisis in healthcare, with nearly 20% of healthcare professionals experiencing physical abuse while on the job.

For nurses, working in such a hostile environment can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and eventually leaving the profession. Nurses must be able to focus on patient care, not their own physical safety.

Linda Knodel, President of Linda Knodel and Associates, highlighted the severity of this crisis: “Fifty percent of new nurses quit within two years.” This alarming attrition rate reflects the challenges nurses face daily. By 2027, about 900,000 nurses—one in five—are expected to leave the workforce.

The financial cost is also significant. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that workplace violence costs employers around $121 billion annually.

Addressing the Crisis with Proactive Solutions 

To improve nurse workplace safety, healthcare organizations must take proactive steps. Many are already implementing critical safety strategies, including de-escalation training, panic buttons, secure locks, and visitor screening.

One effective solution gaining traction is the Violence Assessment Tool (VAT), which helps clinical teams identify behaviors that may signal a higher risk of violence. Identifying risks early empowers healthcare staff and creates a safer, more predictable work environment.

Betty Jo Rocchio, Chief Nurse Executive at Advocate Health, highlighted how vulnerable nurses are: “We are with a patient 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.” This continuous exposure puts nurses at higher risk and underscores the importance of robust safety protocols.

She added, “When you’re worrying about your own safety, you can’t worry about the care of others as much.” This statement reinforces how nurse workplace safety directly impacts patient care.

Putting People First 

Building a strong culture of nurse workplace safety starts with valuing healthcare workers as essential to patient outcomes. “It’s a team approach to care,” said Knodel. She emphasized collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility as the foundation of a healthy workplace.

“Your people are your greatest asset,” she added, stressing the need to support both their physical and emotional well-being.

Rocchio echoed this view: “We’re so busy in healthcare, we don’t always have time to prioritize ourselves.” Without proper support and resources, burnout increases. Giving nurses the tools to manage stress and threats is a critical part of safety planning.

A Call to Action 

Nurse workplace safety is more than just a human resources issue—it’s a systemic concern that affects care quality, staff retention, and overall healthcare outcomes. Violence on the job damages morale, increases turnover, and puts patients at risk.

However, by taking intentional actions—like investing in violence prevention, offering staff support, and fostering a culture of respect—leaders can create lasting change.

To explore this issue further, watch our webinar, The Impact of Violence on Nurses: Supporting Safer Workplaces for Satisfaction and Success, produced in partnership with the American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL).