Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1307977
Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 19 November 9–December 14, 2020 de-escalation techniques and access to more resources for managing potentially violent situations, whether that means increased staff with specialized training, increased security or other effective safety protocols. AFTER AN ATTACK ★ Nurses need to be prepared in the event a violent act does occur. As with any emergency, response time is cru- cial. Rhonda Collins emphasizes the importance of organiza- tions' implementing protocols and technologies that cut response time in critical moments when nurses need assis- tance. The sooner reinforcements and resources are available, the sooner a violent situation can be safely resolved. Once the incident is over, the nurse involved should be the priority. Experiencing a violent assault, whether physical or verbal, is traumatic. It is a serious incident and should be treat- ed as such, each and every time. The healthcare profession has begun to acknowledge the importance of trauma-informed care, but we are often slow to apply this evidence-based, com- passionate approach to our own colleagues. Nurses who seek help or resources are not weak. They should not be derided as "emotional" or "dramatic" for need- ing help. They were assaulted, and should be treated accord- ingly. Nurses must move away from shame, bitterness and recrimination and strive to create an atmosphere of openness and support for the victims of violence. Reporting should be encouraged, regardless of the situation; reporting allows for proper investigation of the situation and helps institutions develop better procedures for dealing with future incidents. It is critical that nurses understand how to report an incident and are never deterred from doing so. TIME TO DO BETTER ★ We have to support each other in these times of crisis. Workplace violence should never be considered "just part of the job." We need to treat these incidents with the seri- ousness they deserve and stop sweeping workplace violence under the rug. Changing this picture starts with us. ____________________________________________________________________ Jessica Dzubak, RN, MSN, is the director of nursing practice for the Ohio Nurses Association. She is also a freelance writer specializing in the healthcare industry. She enjoys her two dogs, who add commentary to her articles by laying their heads across the keyboard while she's writing. WN RN Manager Urgent Care Center – Montebello, Day shift RN Supervisor Internal Medicine – San Gabriel Valley, Day & Mid-shift RN Supervisor Day Internal Medicine – Redondo Beach, Day shift RN Ambulatory Surgery Center – Huntington Beach, Day shift Per-diem RN Ambulatory Surgery Center – Long Beach, Day shift Per-diem RN Urgent Care Center – San Gabriel Valley Day, Mid, and Night shift. Full-time & Per-diem RN Urgent Care Center – Downtown Los Angeles Day, Mid, and Night shift. Full-time & Per-diem What if you could greatly increase your impact, open yourself to incredible career opportunities and still be working at your highest level of compassion? You can. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, provides an opportunity to deliver care for millions of patients and their providers every day. Your compassion, commitment and energy can help transform health care and result in your life's best work. Learn More About Our RN Opportunities email Robert Siordia, Sr. Recruitment Consultant, rsiordia@optum.com or visit www.jobsatoptumcare.com NURSING OPPORTUNITIES SM