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Put an end to violence in healthcare

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, March 13, 2007

Healthcare facilities can no longer be considered immune from acts of violence, says Dianne Ditmer, PhD, RN, CFN, DABFN, CRM, FACFE, clinical nurse manager, professional development at Kettering (OH) Medical Center (KMC), an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® facility since 2005.

Ditmer surveyed 459 nurses to determine the prevalence of exposure to violence at KMC, types of exposure, and whether it was reported. After reviewing survey results, Ditmer decided to prepare all staff to recognize, prevent, and respond to violence when it occurs. Based on data from the survey, Ditmer developed an educational program that defined the three types of workplace violence-psychological, verbal, and physical-and gave staff tools and techniques to deal with them.

She says that the nursing staff at KMC came together and determined what they could do to change their working environment. One of the changes is that when new employees are hired, they are given a brochure that covers the basic steps of safety, how to contact security, and other relevant information. During orientation, new hires are introduced to the subject of workplace violence and listen to a general lecture on the topic.

Source: Dianne Ditmer, PhD, RN, CFN, DABFN, CRM, FACFE,

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