Notice: this episode discusses the sensitive topic of workplace violence and shares a link to a video from Finland showing nurses who are recovering from physical assaults at work.
Welcome to Episode 15 of the Haelan Nurse Chronicles podcast. I’m Dr. Lorre Laws, and today we are diving deep into a critical and often overlooked issue in the nursing profession – nurse workplace violence. From physical assaults to verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, extortion, lateral violence, bullying, hazing, and various forms of incivilities, nurses face a wide range of violent behaviors in the workplace.
It’s time to shine a light on the harsh realities that many nurses experience on a daily basis and ask the tough questions. Are nurses being treated as collateral damage in healthcare organizations and systems? Why are 86% of nurses receiving little to no support in dealing with the traumatizing effects of workplace violence?
Throughout this episode, we will explore the true impact of nurse workplace violence on the mental and physical health of nurses, discuss the concept of nurses as collateral damage, and advocate for the prioritization of nurse safety and professional wellbeing. Join me as we delve into this important topic and work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for nurses to thrive. Thank you for tuning in.
The reality of healthcare, sadly, for millions of nurses worldwide is a dark one. Nurses face a myriad of violent behaviors in the workplace, from patients and their loved ones as well as colleagues and organizational leaders. Workplace violence of all types are classified as avoidable nurse-specific traumatization.
Today, we’ll turn our attention to what nurses in European countries are experiencing. In Finland, a video is going viral on social media as nurses describe the violent and dangerous conditions in which they are practicing. Here are a few accounts from that video – and we’ll drop the link in the show notes for you.
“I am getting pushed, beaten, bitten, and scratched.” reports one nurse with visible facial bruises. “Even stabbings, which lead to a life-threatening condition.”
Another nurse, shown with a massive black eye, states, “patients are scratching, spitting, biting, even throwing things [at me]. Other nurses who speak out against this violence have been fired.”
“We’ve had serious violence – biting so severe that it pierced the hand, which became infected” one nurse describes with her voice shaken.
One nurse recalled their experience, “I have also been in court, where the patient now defendant was convicted of unlawful threats against me.”
“The patients, their families, they try to influence care, other things, by verbal intimidation . . .” this nurse’s voice trailed off into a state of near tears.
“The violence, so it . . .it has clearly increased, ” another nurse described. “It comes from patients, attendants, on site, and over the phone.”
The nurse goes on to state that “one of the most common threats is ‘if you don’t do this . . .that means you want me to die?” Of course, nobody wants this to happen.
The nurse reaches into their pocket and presents a flyer that states “69% of nurses [in Finland] have experienced violence or the threat of it at work.”
In Italy, nurses aren’t faring much better. Approximately 37.2% percent of nurses have reconsidered their job due to violence, and nearly 25% had changed their job—or left nursing entirely. Threats were the most prominent forms of violence nurses faced, though actual attacks, such as spitting, punching, or throwing objects, were also common.
Flyers line the halls and walls of Italian healthcare settings, which read, “You choose respect. Don’t attach those who care for you. Verbal or physical violence against healthcare workers is a crime.”
Another flyer, featuring a stethoscope with a target graphic at the headset used for auscultation reads, “Who helps you is not a target. Don’t hit them.”
With worldwide nurse violence stories and statistics like these, it begs the question . . .
Are nurses being treated like collateral damage in healthcare settings and systems?
Are nurses being treated as collateral damage in healthcare organizations and systems? Despite the high-risk trauma exposure faced by nurses, a staggering 86% receive little to no support in mitigating the traumatizing effects of workplace violence. It’s time to address why nurses are often overlooked and undervalued in the healthcare system, and advocate for the resources and support they need to thrive in their roles.
Nurses who report violence are frequently gaslighted by their employers with the accusatory question of, “What could you have done to prevent this incident [of violence]?
Nurses who report being threatened or attacked are frequently met with more workplace violence in the form of gaslighting, threat of losing their job, or threat of being reported to their licensing regulatory body.
So, what we have then, in a cycle of perpetual violence. A patient or family member assaults the nurse. The nurse seeks support in their organization only to be gaslight in a “blame the victim” strategy. The nurse then refuses to accept unsafe assignments and is threatened with their livelihood or license to practice.
These are classic examples of avoidable nurse-specific traumatization.
While it does speak to the greater societal challenges that are beyond the scope of today’s topic, nurse violence is a never event that should be swiftly addressed by the employer along with paid time off to recover and provision of professional support to facilitate healing and recovery.
And for these reasons, and so many more, that’s why I’m here. I conducted research for over five years across four disciplines to bring forth an evidence-based framework and healing program for nurses worldwide. Through my nonprofit organization, The Haelan Academy, we offer a safe virtual space for nurses to come together and heal through all that they’ve endured.
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by workplace violence, gaslighting, bullying, hazing, or incivilities, please attend my free webinar where you can learn if and how you have been affected and, importantly, what steps you can take immediately to start the healing process while insulating yourself from harsh working conditions. Just click the link and enroll today.
https://drlorrelaws.com/webinar
It will take all of us, doing our part, to refuse to be abused in the workplace.
It will take all of us, doing our part, to value ourselves as more than collateral damage. We are the linchpins of healthcare. Together, we can come together, heal together, and then be the change agents that usher in Nursing 2.0 The Nurse Safety & Professional Wellbeing Edition.
Until next time, thank you for all that you are and do. I see you. I feel you. And I am with you, every step of the way.
From my healer’s heart to yours, namaste.
Dr. Lorre 💕