Difference in Work-Related Violence by Nurse License Type

Nancy M. Nachreiner, Helen E. Hansen, Akiko Okano, Susan G Gerberich, Andrew Ryan, Patricia M McGovern, Timothy R Church, Gavin D. Watt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)290-300
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Professional Nursing
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2007

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Support for this effort was provided, in part, by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (R01 OH03438) and the Regional Injury Prevention Research Center and Center for Violence Prevention and Control, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN).

Keywords

  • License type
  • Violence
  • Work related

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