HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SELF ESTEEM, YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE, AND YOUR SANITY AFTER  AN EPISODE OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Written by Laurie Romano, RN, CEN on June 13, 2001.

Notice:  These are suggestions only, intended to be used by those who have been victimized, those who have observed or been involved with violent incidents in the workplace/home, or those who know someone who has been involved with workplace violence.  None of the statements are intended to be legal, medical, psychiatric or other professional opinion.  These statements do not necessarily reflect opinions of NurseAdvocate.org, Yahoo, America Online, Microsoft, or any other corporation.  They are opinions and suggestions ONLY-and are to be used only to assist the aforementioned people after an incident of workplace violence.

This list may be downloaded/copied free of charge and used as specifically named as long as the authors name appears.

1)  If at all possible, as soon as possible after the incident (and after the area where the violence occurred is safe) , get your Supervisor/Manager/Director of Nursing to find you an immediate replacement.  DO NOT feel as if you must finish your shift, and don't allow anyone to manipulate or "guilt" you into it.  Demand (yes, I said demand!) a replacement.  After you've given your relief what they need to know, GET OUT of there.  Get medical treatment-even if there are no "visible" wounds.  Take care of yourself first-yes, paperwork can wait.  There's usually a lot of paperwork with incidents like this, but first priority is YOU.  Sit down. 

Take a deep breath, drink a glass of water.  Thank the God of your understanding that you're alive and safe at the moment.

2)  Document everything-make sure you write down as much as you remember for your own personal files, complete with names, dates, times, notifications, interventions, observations.  Write down the names/titles of all persons involved/notified/arrived at the scene of the incident, and their roles.  Jot down enough of this stuff on scrap paper, napkin, or paper towel so you can write a more complete summary of the incident later-don't have to do this right away.  Complete any required documentation in medical records, occurrence reports-FACTS, observations, interventions, (definitely document any interventions you performed to prevent escalation, prevent injury to the patient/other patients/family/visitors/staff, any medications or treatments

given-and their response, if any; doctor or other healthcare professional notification, family notification, supervisor/manager/DON/police/security notification; and any other information pertinent to the incident if it involves the patient/family/visitors).  Remember, FACTS and OBSERVATIONS only-keep personal opinions/judgments/feelings out of this.  Pictures of any injuries to the patient are also a good way to document injuries.

3)  If the police were notified, cooperate with police officers, detectives, investigators.  (This can be done after receiving medical evaluation and treatment-just let them know you are going, but will give them a statement as soon as possible.)  Most of the time this occurs at the scene where the incident took place or at the police station, but can be done in the ER or even at home.)  If at all possible, get it done-but if you feel too "shaken up" or "upset" many times investigators will come to your home.  Law enforcement is usually very good with things like this, and are trained to interview persons who have just been through a terrible experience.  Most are very compassionate and patient.  If, however, you do run into someone who's sarcastic, caustic or otherwise offensive, ask to deal with someone else immediately!  You don't have to listen to things like that!  Law enforcement is there to get the facts ONLY-NOT to give an opinion or advise on "this is what I would've done; you were all wrong", or "Its part of your JOB"--especially if this is said, DO NOT speak with this officer!  Request someone else.  If no one else is available, get a support person or your lawyer to sit with you.  Get the officers name, badge number, etc-consider filing a complaint later.  Right now, just discuss facts only.  Answer questions as completely and briefly as possible.  If you don't know, or don't remember something, say so.  Most officers will give you a business card with a phone number on it so you can call them with any additional facts.

*****Most law enforcement personnel are compassionate and sympathetic to persons involved/victimized in violent incidents, but are there to get all PERTINENT facts.  They sometimes come across as cold, analytical, and lacking compassion because of their goal of obtaining only necessary facts.  It’s often very difficult to interview people after a violent incident, as they are shaken up pretty badly, crying, reacting to what they've been through.  Answer the question asked, clarify what is asked if you don't understand.  Do the best you can to keep your composure, but don't apologize if you can't talk because you're crying/shaking/upset.  If you find you just cannot stop doing anyone of the things I mentioned, tell the officer so.  By all means, if you just can't discuss things any more, ask to continue the interview later if at all possible.

4)      If you are contacted by hospital staff, administrators, managers, directors, attorneys, risk managers, etc and asked to give a "statement of the facts" -do so, but request it be kept BRIEF-especially if you are shaken up, emotional, crying or otherwise unable to participate.  Many times, hospital officials will automatically do this, as they know people are traumatized and want to just get the HECK out of Dodge!

Request it be delayed if you are just too emotionally upset to talk.  Ask if it can be done by phone, or the next day.  A word to the wise:  Don't sign anything, don't admit any possible failings on your or others part, don't agree "to settle this", or "to not file charges", etc.  No opinions, just the facts....If you go to any meetings, bring a support person or your personal lawyer with you.  NOT the hospital lawyer!  This is especially important if the hospital has any possible liability.  Ditto for insurance investigators......and beware of the phone ringing-sometimes these people will try to get you to say something on the phone....say NOTHING!  This also goes for reporters and the media

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