Australian nurses' perceptions about workplace violence management, strategies and support services

Aims This study ascertained nurses' perceptions about workplace violence management, strategies and support services. Background Nurses regularly encounter verbal and physical violence in their workplace. Workplace violence has long-term consequences on nurses' personal lives and professional work ability. However, more needs to be known about nurses' perceptions of violence management and interventions used. Methods Ninety-eight nurses from a regional public hospital in Queensland, Australia, completed a survey about workplace violence. Nurses worked in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit or Mental Health Department. Results Ninety-five per cent of nurses stated that all violence should be reported, but 18% would take no action, and 22% would not complete an incident from. Perceptions and preferred responses differed for verbal and physical violence. Low-level interventions and aggression management training were preferred by nurses. Nearly all nurses felt that they should be involved in the development of workplace violence policies. Conclusions Nurses rate aggression management training highly, and they desire more input into violence policies. The under-reporting of violent incidents remains an issue for future management. Implications for nursing management Understanding nurses' perceptions of workplace violence management enables the identification of gaps when applying policy and adopting practical approaches to reduce the incidence and severity of workplace violence.