Nurses in China Face Workplace Violence: What's Happening and Why?

In Lanzhou, China, nurses are frequently subjected to workplace violence, a pervasive issue across hospitals of all levels. A recent study delved into the prevalence and contributing factors of this alarming trend.

Prevalence and Sources of Violence

The study revealed that nurses in various types of hospitals experience different levels of violence. This violence can originate from:

• Patients
• Family members
• Other hospital staff

This poses a serious threat to nurses' safety and well-being.

Key Contributing Factors

The research identified several factors that increase the likelihood of workplace violence, including:

• Hospital level (e.g., primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Nurse's experience
• Work environment

Understanding these factors is crucial for hospitals to implement protective measures.

Impact on Nurses

Workplace violence has far-reaching consequences for nurses, including:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Higher turnover rates

This issue not only affects individual nurses but also strains the healthcare system.

Call for Action

The study underscores the urgent need for:

• Stronger policies
• Enhanced training programs

Hospitals must prioritize nurse safety and take decisive action to combat workplace violence.