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Workplace violence (WPV) in the health care sector is a significant concern, posing threats to both patients and health care workers. This article reports findings from a study aimed to examine the incidence and reporting practices among PICU nurses experiencing WPV.
Keywords: Health care worker, PICU nurses, policy, reporting, workplace violence, pediatric intensive care unit.
Learning Outcome: After completing this learning activity, the learner will be able to discuss the incidence of workplace violence in a pediatric intensive care unit and the nurses' practice of reporting those incidents.
Workplace violence (WPV) in the health care sector is a significant concern, posing threats to both patients and health care workers. Health care workers have a four-fold higher risk of experiencing WPV incidents than employees in the private sector (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], n.d.). In health care settings, approximately eight cases of serious WPV occur per 10,000 full-time employees. In all other industries, less than two cases of serious WPV occur per 10,000 full-time employees (OSHA, n.d.). Incidents of WPV in health care settings increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this upward trend seems to be continuing (Brigo et al., 2022; Kuhlmann et al., 2022).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes four classifications of WPV: Type 1: Criminal Intent; Type 2: Customer/Client; Type 3: Worker-onWorker; and Type 4: Personal Relationship (CDC, 2020). Approximately 80% of WPV incidents perpetrated against health care workers are from patients or family members, and are classified as a Type 2 incident (CDC, 2020). Limited research exists that identifies perpetrators as a patient or family member, particularly in pediatric settings. In one recent pediatric study, researchers evaluated reports of violent incidents in an in-patient pediatric facility and found 77% of incidents were perpetrated by the patient and 23% by a parent (Derscheid € Arnetz, 2020). Although clear classifications of WPV exist, ambiguity regarding the definition of WPV and interpretations of what constitutes WPV varies among organizations (Boyle & Wallis, 2016). In 2018, the American Nurses Association (ANA) defined WPV as any act or threat of violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence; harassment; intimidation; or other disruptive behaviors perpetrated within the workplace.
Contributing Factors to WPV
Factors that contribute to Type 2 WPV assaults on health care...