3 answers
Rebecca
Student
Norton, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What are the chances of getting assaulted as a nurse
What is the national average of nurses assaulted in the workplace?
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3 answers
Eliomar Cuellar
Case Management
3
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Eliomar’s Answer
In the U.S., there isn't one national "average" for workplace violence because different studies define assault in various ways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses face about 16.6 cases of workplace violence injuries per 10,000 full-time workers each year. These are serious incidents that lead to time off work. Surveys that also consider threats and verbal abuse often report much higher numbers.
Shelley DeReu
Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Registered Nurse and Clinical Research Monitor
19
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
I can't answer your question specifically as it is impossible to predict. I can tell you that you have many different specialties of nursing to choose from. As an example, I think it would be fair to say a nurse working in the emergency room in a large metropolitan city would have a higher risk than an RN in a smaller hospital. Psychiatric hospitals, behavior and or drug clinics may have a higher chance than maternity specialties.
Nursing school really prepares you for all types of situations. You will learn communication techniques and how to read people to anticipate the need to keep you and or your patient safe. My personal experiences with difficult situations, I have always had a co-nurse, charge nurse or other staff who can help if a situation is getting out of control. If you are concerned, then work in a specialty that lowers the risk of confrontation. Some nurses thrive on being in the mix of things, and you will work with many who will have your back when needed. They will support you for situations way less than aggressive patients or family. Nursing is a fantastic profession that offers a variety of opportunity to work in many areas of nursing, and is a profession that can change with your lifestyles changes as you progress through life. Don't let fear of something that most likely won't happen keep you from persuing. Good Luck!
I can't answer your question specifically as it is impossible to predict. I can tell you that you have many different specialties of nursing to choose from. As an example, I think it would be fair to say a nurse working in the emergency room in a large metropolitan city would have a higher risk than an RN in a smaller hospital. Psychiatric hospitals, behavior and or drug clinics may have a higher chance than maternity specialties.
Nursing school really prepares you for all types of situations. You will learn communication techniques and how to read people to anticipate the need to keep you and or your patient safe. My personal experiences with difficult situations, I have always had a co-nurse, charge nurse or other staff who can help if a situation is getting out of control. If you are concerned, then work in a specialty that lowers the risk of confrontation. Some nurses thrive on being in the mix of things, and you will work with many who will have your back when needed. They will support you for situations way less than aggressive patients or family. Nursing is a fantastic profession that offers a variety of opportunity to work in many areas of nursing, and is a profession that can change with your lifestyles changes as you progress through life. Don't let fear of something that most likely won't happen keep you from persuing. Good Luck!
Donna Hull
Engineer
118
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
I noticed your question and wanted to share some thoughts.
Nursing can be tough, and it's important to have a genuine interest in helping others. I've attached a link that might help answer your question.
Right now, I'm taking care of my dad, and I can tell you that dealing with patients can be challenging. Sometimes they might say things that hurt, but other times, you just have to laugh it off.
My dad's mood changes a lot. One moment, he might be upset, and the next, he's the kindest person. As his caregiver, I know when to give him space and come back later when he's calmer.
I admire nurses for their patience and understanding. When caregivers help my dad, I remind them that this is part of the job, and it's important to remember that patients often don't mean the hurtful things they say.
I wish you all the best in your decision. Whether you're a nurse, teacher, or any public servant, you'll often meet people at difficult times. It's important to have the compassion to see beyond their behavior and understand their true needs.
https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=ARPSEC&PC=ARPL&PTAG=1365&q=compare%20number%20of%20nurses%20in%20the%20industry%20to%20assault%20claims%20that%20nurses%20file
I noticed your question and wanted to share some thoughts.
Nursing can be tough, and it's important to have a genuine interest in helping others. I've attached a link that might help answer your question.
Right now, I'm taking care of my dad, and I can tell you that dealing with patients can be challenging. Sometimes they might say things that hurt, but other times, you just have to laugh it off.
My dad's mood changes a lot. One moment, he might be upset, and the next, he's the kindest person. As his caregiver, I know when to give him space and come back later when he's calmer.
I admire nurses for their patience and understanding. When caregivers help my dad, I remind them that this is part of the job, and it's important to remember that patients often don't mean the hurtful things they say.
I wish you all the best in your decision. Whether you're a nurse, teacher, or any public servant, you'll often meet people at difficult times. It's important to have the compassion to see beyond their behavior and understand their true needs.
Donna recommends the following next steps: