Mobilizing Support for Safety Measures in the Workplace Irma Gunderson was an RN in the emergency room of a large urban hospital. There had been several instances when friends of patients had become...

Mobilizing Support for Safety Measures in the Workplace

Irma Gunderson was an RN in the emergency room of a large urban hospital. There had been several instances when friends of patients had become belligerent and threatening to the staff, but there were no plans in place for managing staff safety. Irma began talking with her nurse manager. She said, “I was here the two evenings when those visitors threatened doctors, nurses, and others on the staff. I believe that we need to develop policies of how to manage such instances.” Her manager replied, “What is the problem? I wasn’t here those evenings, but I think the staff did fine—no one was hurt and the patient was cared for.” Irma then said, “I was really afraid, and it is affecting my work. I have talked to some of the others on the evening shift and some of them even have nightmares. Millie the receptionist said she is going to ask for a transfer because she doesn’t want to be here the next time it happens. We don’t have a clear plan of how to call security, what people are supposed to do, and what our rights are in terms of protecting ourselves.” The manager said, “No one else has said anything.” Irma said, “I think they believe that nothing can be done. I have done some reading and I have learned that other hospitals have extensive plans in place. Could we get a committee together to investigate some of those and make some recommendations?” The manager said, “I appreciate your talking with me. I will talk with the management team tomorrow and maybe we can get something started here.” By speaking directly to the person in charge who had the authority to initiate change, by having specific instances and concerns, Irma had facilitated improving the workplace climate.