Risk Factors for Assaults on Nursing Staff

OBJECTIVES: This study examined risk factors for nursing staff associated with being assaulted in the workplace and described the prevalence of staff assaults on patients. BACKGROUND: Most studies examining assaults in the workplace examine patient variables. Scant empirical investigation has occurred of staff variables. METHODS: A random mailed survey measuring physical and psychological assaults, sexual assault, and trauma history was employed. Childhood abuse and education were unique predictors of physical and sexual assault by patients. The results also revealed that staff members sometimes abuse patients. IMPLICATIONS: These results can help inform the training and supervision of nursing staff. Strategies to decrease staff vulnerability of being assaulted may reduce the risk. The finding that education also may be a protective factor has important implications for trends in managed care to downsize nursing. Protecting patients and staff are important administrative priorities in the workplace.