As Nurses, we are faced with challenging scenarios, and it can be difficult to find a safe place, especially when faced with workplace violence.
I recall times in my career where I felt a deep unease in my heart and my gut, because of scenarios like these.
I was a witness as a colleague was attacked as she left a patient’s room. He unexpectedly bolted out of bed and jumped on her back. It happened so fast, there was nothing I could do!
I was side-clocked by an 85 year, whitehaired, little lady as I offered her night time care. I recall feeling violated, and also embarrassed, like how could I have missed the signs? I also never reported it. I didn’t know I could, and how reporting her and the assault could have helped me regain some of my power.
My workplace violence incident left me with a sense of danger and vulnerability for my own safety, and for the security of my colleagues.
Workplace Violence in Nursing is not a new thing
Nurse abuse and workplace violence (WPV) is not a new thing, and yet, when it happens to you, it is startling, and unsettling.
I am thankful the American Nurses Association has stepped up to bring awareness to the ever growing need for awareness and actions needed to #endnurseabuse.
The American Nurses Association’s End Nurse Abuse campaign notes that one out of four Nurses have been assaulted. This is a staggering statistic. They also note that these incidents are underreported.
The ANA also reminds us that abuse is never your fault.
![Connecting With Your Safe Place In Nursing I Will Protect My Own Life](https://inursecoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-1024x576.png)
What actions can you take to regain safety after WPV?
And what actions can you take to regain safety after workplace violence has occurred? The following is from a great (printable!) resource from the American Nurses Association’s website.
- Report the incident
- Ask for help from your supervisor, or colleague at work
- Access emotional support
- Contact employee health
- Access workers compensation
- Support colleagues who have been affected by WPV
- Participate in incident investigation
- Please care for yourself
Connecting with a Safe Place Mindfulness Practice
Another action step to regain feelings of safety is to explore a mindfulness practice called Connecting with a Safe Place. This is in addition to the above steps and actions, and may help you support your mental wellbeing from a different angle, to create a safe space, for a moment in time.
Of course, this mindfulness practice (you can print a script below) can be used in other scenarios where you’d like to create a safe place for yourself, or for your clients and communities.
Please find a guided mindfulness practice for Connecting with Your Safe Space, along with a printable script.
Please leave us a comment sharing what else you have done to support yourself and each other from workplace violence.
Download Printable Awareness Practice Script
Nicole Vienneau MSN, RN, NC-BC is a recovering burned-out ICU Nurse. Through Integrative Nurse Coaching and holistic modalities, she’s on the daily voyage to well-becoming.
Nicole is founder Restoration Room and Blue Monarch Health, an author, podcast host of the Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION!, holds a board certification in Integrative Nurse Coaching and combines 20+ years of Nursing with 30+ years of fitness, health coaching and energy work to partner with mid-life women and healthcare workers who want to THRIVE!
She loves her husband, her two crazy cats and enjoys being in nature and having fun.