Many people are fortunate enough not to have to worry about their physical and mental well-being when they go to work. Unfortunately, this is not the case for countless healthcare workers across the nation, for whom workplace violence is a daily concern.
In fact, 88% of healthcare professionals have experienced violence of some sort while at work, according to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators.
This is particularly troubling knowing that healthcare workers have dedicated their careers to serving others, putting their communities first—day in and day out.
What is Considered Workplace Violence?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines workplace violence as:
"Incidents where staff are abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, including commuting to and from work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being, or health."
WHO includes both physical and psychological harm under workplace violence, such as:
Attacks
Verbal abuse
Bullying
Sexual harassment
Racial harassment
Responding to the Challenge of Workplace Violence
Violence against healthcare workers is inexcusable, and Renown Health has a zero tolerance for violence policy.
This policy explains that anyone who physically or verbally attacks another individual while at any of our locations may be removed from the premises and be criminally charged or prosecuted.
We expect all patients, visitors, employees and community members to treat each other with kindness and respect.
Renown Health has several systems in place to support and protect our staff:
New employee orientation classes on preventing and de-escalating abuse
Ongoing education to train staff to respond to violence
Violence Prevention Task Force that reviews incidents and offers support
Access to the Critical Incident Stress Management team for counseling
We are among the first in the nation to have instituted a Zero Tolerance policy on workplace violence.
This policy reassures our employees that we have their backs and will act assertively if the environment becomes unsafe.
A Call for Community Support
Healthcare is an industry like no other, with our most precious resource being our employees.
As a community, as patients and family members, we have an obligation to ensure that all healthcare workers are safe while they go about their work.
This starts with:
Understanding
Communication
Unequivocal support for the profession
Thank a Healthcare Hero
Please join us in recognizing the hardworking and dedicated healthcare providers here at Renown.
Thank you for working with us, and all healthcare providers, to create and maintain places of health and healing for all – and for leading with kindness.
Renown volunteers generously provide their time, talent and support to those in need across Renown Health. This month, in celebration of National Volunteer Month, we want to recognize the incredible contributions of our volunteers who serve in various roles, from providing healing music or haircuts to offering companionship with friendly pets and more.
Join us as we celebrate the hundreds of Renown volunteers who dedicate their time daily, exploring several unique roles in the Q&A below:
Get to Know Maggie Braun: Healthy Living for a Happy Life
Maggie Braun is known as someone who is always on the go. Whether it’s helping her family and community find practical solutions to life’s challenges, staying active or living a healthy lifestyle in Reno – her home of more than 40 years – people in her community think of this Sterling Silver Club member and healthy living advocate as a role model for positivity.
Your Guide to Renown's Cozy Stays, Tasty Eats and Unique Shops
When you or a loved one requires medical care at Renown Health, the focus is naturally on healing. But did you know that Renown offers a variety of amenities to make your stay or visit more comfortable?
