AACN's Commitment to Combating Workplace Violence in Healthcare
AACN's Commitment to Combating Workplace Violence in Healthcare
As a nurse and a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges our profession faces. One pressing issue that continues to concern everyone is workplace violence in healthcare settings. It affects our safety and the quality of care we provide to our patients.
Understanding the Issue
Workplace violence is more than physical assaults; it encompasses any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening and disruptive behavior (including verbal) that occurs at work. Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are often at the receiving end of such incidents. This reality can lead to increased stress, burnout and even a decision to leave the profession.
AACN's Proactive Stance
Recognizing the gravity of this issue, AACN has taken definitive steps to address workplace violence. Our Position Statement: Preventing Violence Against Healthcare Workers underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive, evidence-based violence prevention plans in all patient care settings. These plans should include reacting to and reporting incidents, but it’s essential to proactively create and sustain work environments where such events are much less likely to occur.
The Role of Healthy Work Environments
Cultivating Healthy Work Environments (HWEs) is central to preventing workplace violence. AACN developed six essential standards that form the foundation of HWEs:
- Skilled Communication: Ensuring that nurses are as proficient in communication skills as they are in clinical skills
- True Collaboration: Fostering relentless pursuit of and commitment to collaboration among healthcare teams
- Effective Decision-Making: Establishing that nurses are active partners in policymaking, directing clinical care and leading organizational operations
- Appropriate Staffing: Ensuring appropriate staffing that aligns patient needs with nurse competencies
- Meaningful Recognition: Acknowledging and celebrating the value each team member brings to the organization
- Authentic Leadership: Supporting leaders who fully embrace and live the principles of a healthy work environment, engaging others in its achievement
Implementing these standards can lead to more engaged nurses, decreased burnout, lower turnover and improved patient care. Notably, nurses in units that have adopted these standards report better staffing, higher retention rates, reduced moral distress and lower incidents of workplace violence. For a comprehensive review, refer to AACN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments: A Journey to Excellence, 2nd edition.
Our Collective Responsibility
Creating a safe and healthy work environment is a collective effort, not solely the responsibility of leadership. Each of us plays a role in fostering a culture where respect, open communication and mutual support are paramount. By doing so, we protect ourselves and our colleagues and also ensure that patients and families receive the best possible care.
Moving Forward Together
Addressing workplace violence is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, vigilance and collaboration. AACN remains steadfast in its dedication to providing resources, support and guidance to all nurses and healthcare organizations striving to create and sustain safer work environments. Together, we can make a difference and cultivate workplaces where every nurse is valued, respected and secure.
