Challenging abuse as a nurse

Have you ever felt your safety was being compromised when providing care to a patient? This isn’t - and should never be - something you should expect when turning up to work. In this blog, we look at practical steps you can take in the event you experience abuse from a patient.

Signs you’re dealing with abuse at work:

• Extreme fatigue 

• Being unable to regulate emotions 

• Concentration problems 

• Feeling persistently under threat on shift 

• Being ‘numb’ to verbal abuse from patient

• Anxious thoughts related to work 

Challenging the abuse

Before we delve into this section, it is important to remind ourselves that abuse should never be accepted as part of the job description. While being a nurse is centred around helping others, you should always protect your own wellbeing in the process. 

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider if you’re ever feeling unsafe at work…

Do: 

• Report any instances of physical assault to the police 

• Report any instances of verbal abuse to your workplace 

• Tell your manager so that it is on record and follow guidance provided by work-related violence policy at your place of work 

• Seek support

• Get advice from the Royal College of Nursing 

Don’t:

• Brush off any abuse as part of the job 

• Try and resolve the situation on your own

• Retaliate unprofessionally (e.g. shouting at the patient) 

Remember, you can withdraw care in situations where you feel you are in immediate danger but this should only be done after careful consideration. 

If you find yourself in a situation where a patient is putting you at risk, please read the RCN’s advice on raising and escalating concerns. 

MCM Medical exists to provide top-quality Nursing candidates to NHS and private organisations across the UK. From RGN's to Specialist Nurses, our consultants are specialised in understanding a variety of nursing roles, enabling us to have a wrap-around approach to the staffing of the UK's nurses. Get in touch on 0203 929 4010  today.