Workplace Violence in the Emergency Room
Introduction
Workplace violence is an issue in emergency rooms because of the crowded and emotional situations that can occur with emergencies. In addition, ED patients could be involved with crimes, weapons, or violence from other people that could put the emergency room employee at an increased risk of workplace violence.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that the rate of hospital employees intentionally injured on the job at the hands of another person is significantly higher than the rate across all private industries. In 2015, the most recent year available, there were 8.5 cases of injuries per 10,000 full-time hospital workers, versus 1.7 cases for all private industries.
And, according to the Emergency Nurses Association, nearly half (46 percent) of all assaults (non-fatal) and violence that result in days away from work are committed against registered nurses.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. What puts health care workers in the emergency department at greater risk of workplace violence?
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