An Australian study has found hospital nurses feel inadequately supported in the aftermath of workplace violence.
Researchers at Flinders and Southern Queensland universities found nurses who had defended themselves also felt exposed to litigation from violent patients.
“Support is needed immediately to empower nurses to continue their caring role. We found support was not often provided, nor were nurses aware of the support services available” said author Dr Hila Dafny from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders. Having interviewed 23 Queensland hospital nurses, researchers found other nurses were their primary source of support, with most of them reluctant to discuss their experiences with family and friends, to protect them.
Previous studies found nearly half (48%) of nurses who experienced a violent incident in the preceding six months were dissatisfied with their employers’ response. About two thirds (67%) were not provided with adequate information, support or follow up.
“There is a need for hospital management to provide effective support services and improve staff awareness of available support services,” said Dr Dafny.
