Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
The most recent articles from:
J Emerg Nurs
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Comparative Study
The extent, nature, and precipitating factors of nurse assault among three groups of registered nurses in a regional medical center.
This study investigated nurse perceptions of the incidence and nature of verbal and physical assault or abuse by patients and their family members or visitors. ⋯ Nurses were confused about what legally constitutes "assault" and "abuse"; nurse rights versus patient rights; and policies and procedures for reporting assault or abuse incidences. Our results indicate that nurses are experiencing abusive and assaultive behavior from family members and visitors just as often as they are from patients, and ED nurses are at higher risk. Nurses perceive a lack of institutional support and an institutional emphasis on patient rights and satisfaction and do not feel safe in the workplace.