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Pressure points

Article Abstract:

Health care workers suffering verbal abuse or violence in the workplace receive little or no support in developing techniques to deal with the situation. A survey carried out into violent or abusive experiences of 106 Scottish nurses found that 93% had been attacked verbally during the previous two years, while 57% had been physically attacked. Understanding of organisational policy on violence was limited, with 53% of the nurses not fully comprehending their organisation's policy. Nurses need to receive support and counselling in the areas of anger and stress management.

Methods, Management, Stress management, Anger

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Sticks and stones

Article Abstract:

Health services have a responsibility to their staff to develop coping strategies for dealing with verbal abuse from patients. Nurses may suffer severe distress or even psychological damage from the persistent verbal abuse of a patient, making it difficult for them to carry out normal, everyday tasks. It is important to stay in a calm and relaxed frame of mind while the verbal abuse is taking place, using self-reassurance techniques to overcome stress and remain positive. Walking away from an abusive patient may help if other techniques do not work.

Study and teaching, Life skills, Invective

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Pressure points

Article Abstract:

Work-related stress is causing psychological illness amongst doctors and nurses, according to a report prepared by the Nuffield Trust on behalf of professional bodies involved in the UK National Health Service (NHS). Poor communication of management issues is a major cause of stress. Nurses report a number of specific problems including high workloads, insufficient time to devote to emotional support of patients, and unpredictability of staffing levels. The report sets out a ten-point plan of action to reduce occupational stress in the NHS.

Reports, Medical personnel

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