Workplace Violence in Healthcare: Forensic Nursing’s Critical Role

Workplace violence is a harsh reality for many healthcare professionals, yet it's often overlooked or minimized. In this episode, Kalen and Karen take a deep dive into how forensic nurses can step in to support their colleagues who experience violence on the job. They bust the stubborn workplace violence myths and discuss the importance of ensuring that those who care for others receive the same level of care and advocacy when they become victims themselves.

Beyond addressing individual cases, this conversation highlights the larger systemic challenges forensic nurses face, including pushback from those in a position of authority, navigating hospital policies, and ensuring that patient rights remain the top priority.

Key Episode Learnings:

• Workplace Violence Myths - Busted: Debunk misconceptions, including the responsibility of healthcare workers in handling and reporting violence.
• The Role of Forensic Nurses in Workplace Violence Cases: How forensic nurses can support employees who experience violence on the job, including their direct colleagues.
• Patient Rights vs. Law Enforcement Influence: Why forensic nurses must advocate for patient autonomy, even when those in a position of authority may instruct them otherwise.
• Handling Pushback & Escalation Strategies: What to do when faced with resistance from law enforcement or tight hospital administration policies.
• Forensic Nursing Response to Workplace Violence: A behind-the-scenes look at strategies that ensure healthcare workers receive the same forensic care as other victims of violence.

Extra Episode Resources:

• Article Discussed: “The growing burden of workplace violence against healthcare workers: trends in prevalence, risk factors, consequences, and prevention – a narrative review” sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537024002207

Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org

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