A patient identified as Marcus Lusardi was arrested for assaulting two nurses at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Nurses are among the most essential healthcare professionals, providing critical care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. However, they are also at risk of workplace violence, which can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional well-being.
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The Incident at Adena Regional Medical Center
On March 2, 2023, two nurses at Adena Regional Medical Center were reportedly assaulted by a patient identified as Marcus Lusardi. The incident occurred in the Emergency Department of the hospital. Lusardi was receiving mental health treatment after being released from Fayette County Jail for an assault.
According to reports, several members of the hospital staff informed authorities of Lusardi’s had assault. One victim told deputies that she was escorting Lusardi to the restroom when he ran at her with his fists clenched and began punching her.
A second nurse tried to intervene. However, per report, Lusardi pushed her to the ground and continued hitting both nurses. Consequently, two additional staff members held Lusardi down until he calmed down and was taken back to his room.
This incident highlights a continuous issue of workplace violence nurses face while on duty. Just last month an ER nurse was severely beaten in the face by a patient.
Nurses Assaulted By Patients
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration, healthcare workers are among a higher risk of workplace violence than other industries.
Nurses are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence, which can range from verbal abuse to physical assault. Consequently, this can take a toll on their mental health and overall well-being.
Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of workplace violence against nurses:
- In a survey by the American Nurses Association, 25% of nurses reported being physically assaulted at work, and 50% reported being verbally abused or threatened.
- According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8,590 healthcare practitioners were victims of intentional injuries by another person in 2020.
- Another study shows that 25% to 67% of nurses are exposed to at least one type of workplace violence every year.
The Impact of Workplace Violence on Nurses
Workplace violence against nurses can have a significant impact on their physical and emotional well-being.
Here are some ways in which workplace violence can affect nurses:
- Physical injuries: Nurses who are victims of physical assault can sustain serious injuries, including bruises, fractures, and head injuries.
- Emotional trauma: Workplace violence can cause emotional trauma, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Job satisfaction and retention: Nurses who are victims of workplace violence may experience decreased job satisfaction. Also, they are more likely to leave their jobs or the nursing profession altogether.
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Preventing Workplace Violence Against Nurses
Preventing workplace violence against nurses requires a multifaceted approach that includes training, awareness, and prevention measures.
Here are some ways in which healthcare organizations are already doing to prevent workplace violence against staff:
- Education and training: Healthcare organizations provide education and training to staff members on recognizing and managing aggressive behavior in patients.
- Reporting and follow-up: Nurses are encouraged to report all incidents of workplace violence. As a result, the facility have a system in place to investigate and follow up on reports.
- Risk assessments: Healthcare organizations typically conduct regular risk assessments. They do this to identify potential areas of risk for workplace violence and implement appropriate measures to minimize these risks.
- Security measures: A number of organizations implement security measures. These are anything like access control, panic alarms, and security personnel, to help prevent workplace violence.
- Mental health support: Some, not all, healthcare facilities provide mental health support to staff members.
Mental Health Support in Healthcare Settings
Providing mental health support to patients with a history of violence or aggressive behavior can be challenging, as was the case with Marcus Lusardi at Adena Regional Medical Center.
As such, intervention for health professionals who are victim of workplace violence should be talked about more.
Healthcare organizations should consider mental health resources and support to staff members to promote a safer and healthier workplace. Here are some ways in which establishments can provide support to staff who find themselves a victim of workplace violence:
- Collaborative care: Healthcare organizations should provide collaborative care to their staff. This involves a team-based approach to mental health treatment that includes healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals.
- Behavioral health units: Healthcare organizations should have dedicated behavioral health units. This can provide specialized care for patients with mental health issues.
- Counseling and therapy: Healthcare organizations should provide free counseling and therapy services to staff members. This is to help promote coping mechanism, mental health and well-being in the work place.
- Support groups: Healthcare organizations should provide support groups for patients and staff members free of charge. This will allow them to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Final Thoughts
The assault on the two nurses at Adena Regional Medical Center highlights the need for improved mental health support and prevention measures for workplace violence against nurses in healthcare settings.
Healthcare organizations must find a way to prioritize the safety and well-being of their staff members.