Elevator Speech About Workplace Violence
Summary of the Issue
Workplace violence among nurses has been one of the most challenging issues in many hospitals, mostly because nurses interact and work together with patients. Hence, workplace violence has become one of the most pertinent issues in Texas. Violence has resulted in injuries that require a day away from the workstation. The Texas Nursing Association (n.d.p.2) posits that patients are considered to be the most common perpetrator of the violence against workers. Often, workplace violence can be prevented if leaders put proper safety measures in place. According to the Texas Nursing Association (n.d.), approximately 49.8% of nurses reported experiencing physical violence, while over 80% percent have reported facing verbal abuse. Therefore, violence negatively affects nurses. Workplace violence results in post-traumatic stress response as a majority are unable to return to the same work environment. In contrast, others leave the profession and decide to follow other careers. The Texas state needs to adopt key policies with the aim of reducing violence among healthcare workers.
My Role and Stance on the Issue
As a nurse administrator, my role is to ensure a conducive work environment for all nurses. Therefore, the working environment can be improved by making sure the nurses who are hired can cooperate towards guaranteeing that the workplace is safe from any risk associated with violence. Furthermore, as an administrator, I have to act as an example to other nurse workers by advocating for cooperation between nurses and patients. Besides, ensuring availability of enough resources within the workplace is another important strategy that can reduce workplace violence in healthcare environment.
On the issue of violence, my stance is that a workplace should be free from physical or emotional violence. Therefore, it is essential that the Texas Nurses Association supports a no-tolerance position against incivility within healthcare. It is also important for nursing leaders to take action, such as a disciplinary process, against those who engage in violence in the workplace. When disciplinary action is taken, workers will be careful and considerate, especially when handling any violence within the organization.
However, leaders need to understand that there are different forms of violence, such as physical abuse, experienced in healthcare. Therefore, violence is likely to reduce productivity level. In addition, leaders need to be aware of how workplace violence reduces morale among workers and creates an environment unconducive for working. Thus, violence makes it difficult for nurses to cooperate and ensure key set objectives are achieved on time.
My Opinion on What Will Happen Next
If there is no further action taken to minimize workplace violence, most healthcare is likely to experience a high turnover rate. The majority of people do not prefer to work in an unconducive environment. Similarly, the nursing profession requires focus and interaction with patients; when violence cannot be solved, it will be difficult to ensure quality services are delivered. Healthcare organizations should prepare for poor service delivery if no further action is taken to curb violence and abuse issues among nurses. For that reason, it is essential that key measures are taken to create a safe workplace, which will ensure that nurses cooperate and ensure better service delivery to patients.
References
Texas Nurses Associations. (n.d.). Workplace advocacy. Retrieved from https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.texasnurses.org/resource/resmgr/policy_council_cmtes/2018-19/workplace_advocacy_website_s.pdf
