Defusing challenging behaviours in the nursing industry

Nurses are more likely to suffer violence at work than police and prison officers.¹ A US study also found that nurses and health care workers suffered almost 70 per cent of all workplace violence injuries and were nearly five times more likely to experience violence on the job than the average worker.² Challenging behaviours in the workplace come in many forms, but generally occur where one individual’s actions or behaviours negatively impact another’s. Challenging behaviour may come from a peer, colleague, patient or the general public. These situations are difficult and impact all parties involved. If not managed correctly, it can become a workplace hazard. It is important that organisations clearly define policies and procedures and define unacceptable behaviour to help employees to understand what they can do to help themselves.