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Preventing Workplace Violence [12-24]

Preventing Workplace Violence [12-24]

Hendricks Community Hospital strives to serve Hendricks and our surrounding communities. To inform our area patrons, we will be publishing topics in our area newspapers about the services and specialties we offer at our local level. Various topics will be covered throughout the next several months to ensure our community is provided with the best knowledge in making their healthcare choices. Our goal is that you enjoy reading more about the services we provide and feel more confident in your decision-making. 


Hendricks Community Hospital focuses on preventing workplace violence


By Kennedy Tesch


HENDRICKS, MINN. — Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a growing concern, and Hendricks Community Hospital Association takes proactive steps to ensure the safety of its staff while maintaining high-quality patient care. As incidents of violence in hospitals increase, both locally and globally, HCHA has ramped up efforts to prevent these incidents and provide support for employees when they do occur.


According to Rosemary Christianson, registered nurse and the hospital's emergency preparedness coordinator and infection control officer, verbal abuse is the most common form of workplace violence in healthcare. This is particularly true in high-stress areas like the emergency department, where staff often interact with patients in crisis.


"Verbal abuse is unfortunately very common, and there’s always a concern that it could escalate into physical violence," Christianson explained.


This issue is not unique to Hendricks Community Hospital Association; workplace violence in healthcare is rising across the country and around the world. Christianson believes several factors are contributing to this increase, including growing workloads for healthcare workers, long wait times for patients, and certain patient behaviors like intoxication, pain, or cognitive impairment.


"We’re seeing more and more patients who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or are in severe pain, which can make them more prone to aggression," she said.


Some departments are more vulnerable to violence than others. According to Christianson, areas like the emergency room, psychiatric wards, and geriatric units are especially at risk because they often deal with patients who are agitated or in distress.


“These departments tend to experience higher levels of tension, making them more prone to violent incidents,” Christianson added.


The impact of workplace violence goes beyond the immediate physical harm to staff. It also takes a toll on employees' emotional well-being and can affect job satisfaction and retention.


"When employees feel unsafe at work, it affects their ability to focus and provide the best care," said Jackie Bekaert, human resources and payroll manager at HCHA. "Violence can leave staff physically and emotionally drained, sometimes leading them to consider leaving the profession altogether."


In addition to the impact on staff, workplace violence can also disrupt hospital operations. Violent incidents often tie up resources and staff, delaying care for other patients.


"When something like this happens, it takes attention away from patient care, which ultimately affects the whole hospital," Christianson explained.


To address these concerns, HCHA has implemented a range of measures designed to prevent and respond to workplace violence. One key element is the hospital's workplace violence policy, which is made available to all employees. New hires receive the policy during their onboarding process, along with additional training on how to recognize, prevent, and de-escalate violent situations.


“We want to make sure everyone is aware of the risks and feels confident in handling these situations,” Bekaert said.


The hospital also has a reporting system in place. Employees who experience or witness violence are encouraged to fill out a workplace violence report form, which is then investigated by their manager and reviewed by HR. The incident is tracked to identify patterns and prevent future occurrences.


"Our goal is to learn from every incident and make adjustments to prevent something similar from happening again," Bekaert said.


In addition to policy and training, HCHA is focused on preparing its staff for potential emergencies. Recently, three employees attended the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training, which focuses on responding to active shooter situations and other emergencies. These employees returned to the hospital to share their knowledge with others, making sure the entire team is prepared in case of a crisis.


Hendricks Community Hospital also regularly reviews its physical environment to identify areas that may be more vulnerable to violence, such as poorly lit parking lots or areas without security cameras. To address these risks, the hospital has enhanced its security system, including tracking access to doors and ensuring certain areas remain locked during vulnerable times.


If an employee is impacted by an incident of workplace violence, HCHA offers support through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling services. In more serious cases, the hospital coordinates with its workers' compensation and risk management partners to ensure the affected employee gets the help they need.


HCHA’s approach to preventing workplace violence is collaborative, with regular meetings between HR, security, management, and local law enforcement. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department has even participated in the hospital’s safety committee meetings, providing feedback on ways to improve security.


Despite being located in a relatively safe community, Hendricks Community Hospital is determined to stay prepared.


"We’re fortunate to live in a safe area, but we can’t afford to be complacent," Bekaert said. "We have to be ready for anything."


Through training, proactive safety measures, and a focus on staff well-being, Hendricks Community Hospital Association is working hard to create a safer environment for both employees and patients. By addressing workplace violence head-on, the hospital aims to protect its staff and continue delivering high-quality care to the community.


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