Five Topics Overlooked in Workplace Violence Discussions in Health Care Settings

AACN Adv Crit Care. 2026 Mar 15;37(1):52-62. doi: 10.4037/aacnacc2026559.

ABSTRACT

Workplace violence against health care professionals, especially nurses, is increasingly prevalent and complex. This article examines nuanced dimensions of workplace violence prevention particularly relevant to nurses practicing in nonpsychiatric settings. Although de-escalation is an essential skill, this article sought to explore additional factors that should be included in workplace violence prevention discourse, considering professional, ethical, clinical, and organizational contexts. The additional factors-derived from psychiatric nursing models, current literature, and clinical insights from trainers and nurses with workplace violence prevention expertise-include professional responsibilities, ethical tensions and competing priorities, underemphasis on engagement as a proactive practice, organizational constraints that limit effective workplace violence prevention, and unintended consequences of developing a risk-averse environment. Integrating interpersonal approaches and organizational culture change into workplace violence prevention efforts will enhance nurse and patient safety. Nurses are well positioned to lead this paradigm shift and drive systemic transformation in health care settings.

PMID:41758712 | DOI:10.4037/aacnacc2026559