Emergency Department Workers' Perceived Support and Emotional Impact After Workplace Violence

Workplace violence (WPV) is a common experience among healthcare workers in the United States. Although WPV may affect workers physically, WPV can also affect workers' mental health. Emergency department (ED) workers' perceptions of available and necessary WPV support have not been previously reported.

A cross-sectional survey design was used to examine ED workers' perceived level of WPV support and emotional impact that WPV causes them. This study was conducted at six Midwestern U.S. EDs. Respondents confidentially completed an adapted version of the Survey of Violence Experienced by Staff. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t test, and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Respondents ( N = 206) who experienced WPV served as the analytical sample. Respondents predominantly agreed or strongly agreed that support was available after WPV ( n = 129, 63.2%). The predominant source of support after WPV was another colleague from the department ( n = 127, 62.3%). Less than half of respondents ( n = 96, 47.1%) indicated they agreed/strongly agreed that managers were supportive after verbal abuse, but 63.6% ( n = 126) indicated that managers were supportive after physical assault. There was no statistical difference between the emotional impact of verbal abuse compared with threats/assaults.

Forensic nurses and emergency nurses with forensic nursing training are situated to combine their expertise in trauma-informed care, evidence collection, and expert testimony to support victimized ED workers. Timely support should be offered regardless of the category of WPV experienced. Insight into why support is perceived as available and accessible but may not be used warrants further study.