Difference in work-related violence by nurse license type.
Nurses are at considerable risk for work-related violence. This study compared the experiences of work-related violence among registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to quantify differences in risks and exposures and to gain insight into possible interventions. A random sample (n = 6,300) of licensed Minnesota nurses was surveyed regarding the previous 12-month period. Nurses self-reported violent events and demographic information. After adjustment for potential confounders and nonresponse, LPNs had an increased risk for both physical assault (odds ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.1-1.9) and nonphysical violence (odds ratio = 1.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.0-1.5) compared to RNs. Some exposures resulted in increased risks for both types of violence for RNs and LPNs: working primarily in psychiatric departments and long-term care facilities. In contrast, working in clinics resulted in decreased risks for both license types. Some risks varied by license type. Risk of physical assault was increased for LPNs working with neonatal/pediatric patients, whereas RNs' risk was decreased. RNs' risk of physical violence increased while providing care, whereas LPNs' risk increased while supervising care. A better understanding of how this problem varies by license type and work setting will assist in designing efficacious interventions.
Nachreiner
Nancy M
NM
Center for Violence Prevention and Control, Regional Injury Prevention Research Center, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. nachr001@umn.edu
Hansen
Helen E
HE
Okano
Akiko
A
Gerberich
Susan G
SG
Ryan
Andrew D
AD
McGovern
Patricia M
PM
Church
Timothy R
TR
Watt
Gavin D
GD
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015984:Causality; D005260:Female; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008008:Licensure, Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017406:Sexual Harassment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012919:Social Behavior; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*