Workplace Violence Postincident Care for Nurses: A Descriptive Study

OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study explored nurse leader interventions after workplace violence (WPV) incidents occurred in inpatient settings. BACKGROUND: WPV events against healthcare workers are common. Direct patient care staff are at the highest risk of harm. There is a gap in research focusing on how nurse leaders can best care for staff after WPV events have occurred. for staff after WPV events have occurred on behalf of the nurse leader. METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive design was employed to collect national data using an open-ended survey. Nurse leader participants described experiences caring for staff after WPV events. RESULTS: A standardized approach with institutional policies was recommended, including physical and psychological resources and staff debrief. Internal event reporting for tracking and how the staff could care for the patient after the WPV event were areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical implications of the study include recommendations for a comprehensive and holistic approach to postincident care of the employee, encompassing both physical and emotional needs. Development of clinical practice guidelines for postincident care in the inpatient setting is needed.