Workplace Violence Against Nurses: What Every New Nurse Needs to Know
Workplace violence in healthcare is alarmingly common.
The Hidden Reality of Nursing
When most people think of nursing, they picture compassionate caregivers working tirelessly to help others. What they don’t see is the violence that many nurses experience on the job—being yelled at, physically attacked, and sometimes even thrown across the room.
Workplace violence in healthcare is alarmingly common, yet it remains underreported, dismissed, or even accepted as “part of the job.”
For new nurses and NCLEX students, understanding the reality of workplace violence is essential. Knowing what to expect, how to recognize the signs, and what steps to take can help protect you and your colleagues. This blog will explore:
✔ The most common types of workplace violence nurses face.
✔ Who the perpetrators are and why they lash out.
✔ How nurses can de-escalate dangerous situations and protect themselves.
✔ The long-term impact of violence on nurses’ mental and physical health.
✔ What hospitals and policymakers are doing to prevent workplace violence.
How Common Is Workplace Violence in Nursing?
Workplace violence in healthcare isn’t rare—it’s an everyday risk.
📊 Key Statistics:
According to OSHA, healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in any other industry.
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) reports that 70% of emergency room nurses have been physically assaulted at some point in their careers.
Studies show that verbal abuse (yelling, threats, insults) is one of the most frequent forms of violence nurses face.
The Joint Commission has identified workplace violence as a major safety concern and is urging hospitals to take stronger preventative measures.
Despite these alarming numbers, many incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation, workplace culture, or lack of support from leadership.
Violence against nurses can take many forms
Types of Workplace Violence Nurses Face
Violence against nurses can take many forms, ranging from verbal threats to physical harm.
1️⃣ Verbal Abuse
Yelling, cursing, or insulting nurses.
Threats of harm from patients, family members, or even coworkers.
Demeaning comments that contribute to a toxic work environment.
2️⃣ Physical Assault
Patients or visitors hitting, kicking, or scratching nurses.
Being grabbed or pushed aggressively.
In extreme cases, nurses have reported being thrown across rooms or shoved into walls.
3️⃣ Sexual Harassment
Unwanted advances or inappropriate comments.
Patients or colleagues making suggestive remarks or touching nurses without consent.
4️⃣ Bullying & Lateral Violence (From Other Healthcare Staff)
Intimidation, gaslighting, or exclusion from workplace discussions.
Belittling, mocking, or sabotaging a fellow nurse’s work.
Toxic workplace dynamics that contribute to burnout and high turnover rates.
Many violent incidents involve patients
Who Are the Perpetrators of Violence Against Nurses?
1️⃣ Patients (The Most Common Perpetrators)
Many violent incidents involve patients who are:
Confused or disoriented (due to dementia, delirium, or head injuries).
Experiencing psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Intoxicated or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
In severe pain or distress, leading to agitation.
📌 High-Risk Units:
✔ Emergency Rooms (ER) – High-stress environment with intoxicated, agitated, or psychiatric patients.
✔ Intensive Care Units (ICU) – Confused, ventilated, or critically ill patients may lash out.
✔ Psychiatric Wards – Higher likelihood of aggressive or unpredictable behavior.
✔ Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities – Patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia may become physically violent without realizing it.
How to Protect Yourself from Violent Patients
✅ Recognize Warning Signs: Watch for clenched fists, pacing, yelling, or sudden silence (which can indicate they are preparing to act).
✅ Use De-Escalation Techniques: Speak in a calm, steady voice, avoid sudden movements, and offer choices to help the patient feel in control.
✅ Set Boundaries Politely: "I want to help, but I need you to lower your voice."
✅ Know Your Exit Route: If a patient becomes violent, have a clear escape plan and call for help immediately.
🚨 When to Call for Security:
✔ If a patient makes physical contact (hitting, kicking, or grabbing).
✔ If de-escalation doesn’t work and the patient remains aggressive.
✔ If a weapon is involved – Call security or law enforcement immediately.
Agression can also come from the patient’s fmaily members or visitors.
2️⃣ Family Members & Visitors
Many times, nurses deal with aggression not from the patient, but from the patient’s family or visitors.
Common reasons for family member violence include:
Grief & Emotional Distress – Shock and sadness can quickly turn into anger and misplaced blame.
Long Wait Times & Perceived Neglect – Frustration from waiting leads to outbursts at nurses.
Misinformation & Misunderstandings – If family members don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment, they may assume negligence.
Cultural or Language Barriers – Some visitors may react aggressively out of frustration when they don’t understand medical explanations.
📌 High-Risk Areas:
✔ ICU & Critical Care – Families dealing with end-of-life stress.
✔ ER – High emotions, long waits, and sudden traumatic events.
✔ Labor & Delivery – Custody disputes, protective family members, or domestic violence situations.
How to Handle Violent Family Members
✅ Validate Their Emotions:"I understand this is a difficult time. Let's work together to find the best solution."
✅ Set Firm Boundaries:"I want to help, but I cannot continue this conversation if you are yelling."
✅ Call for Backup if Needed:If a family member refuses to calm down, alert security immediately.
Sometimes the worst aggression comes from inside the hospital itself.
3️⃣ Other Healthcare Workers (Nurse-on-Nurse Violence & Physician Aggression)
While patients and families are a major source of violence, sometimes the worst aggression comes from inside the hospital itself.
🚨 Examples:
Nurse Bullying (Lateral Violence) – Senior nurses belittling or sabotaging new nurses.
Physician Aggression – Doctors yelling, insulting, or dismissing nurses.
Workplace Harassment – Sexual harassment or workplace retaliation.
✅ How to Handle Workplace Violence from Coworkers:
Document Everything: Write down dates, times, and witnesses of bullying or harassment.
Speak Up & Set Boundaries: "I deserve to be treated with respect. Let’s keep this professional."
Report It to HR or a Supervisor: Many hospitals have a zero-tolerance policy—but they can’t act if you don’t report it.
Nurses Deserve Protection
Nurses dedicate their lives to caring for others—but who is protecting them?
💬 Have you ever experienced workplace violence as a nurse? Share your story and let’s work together to advocate for safer hospitals.
💬 Join the Conversation:
Let's collaborate towards creating a safer healthcare environment for all nurses and patients.
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