Management of Aggressive Patient Situations

Authors and Disclosures

Sara W. Day, PhD, RN, FAAN, Jacqueline Sharp, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Gabrielle L. Jackson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, Randall L. Johnson, PhD, RN, Kimberly A. Smith, MSN, RN, Xueyuan Cao, PhD and Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-Bc, FAANP

Sara W. Day is professor and assistant dean at the Center for Community and Global Partnerships at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing in Memphis. Jacqueline Sharp is an assistant professor and PMH concentration coordinator for advanced nursing practice and doctoral education at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing. Gabrielle L. Jackson is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Alma Wellness Associates in Memphis, Tennessee. Randall L. Johnson is an associate professor and BSN program director at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing. Kimberly A. Smith is a professional development specialist in behavioral health at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. Xueyuan Cao is an assistant professor at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing. Wendy Likes is dean and professor and Ruth Neil Murry Endowed Chair at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing.

Sidebar 1

Debriefing questions

After viewing a workplace violence simulation video, participants were asked the following questions:

• If you could describe this experience in one word, what would it be?

• How did this experience make you feel?

• How would you describe this patient's experience?

• How would your new knowledge help you during this experience?

• Would you have done anything differently to prevent this patient's behavior from escalating?

Sidebar 2

Learning Objectives

After completing the Management of Aggressive Patient Situations program, participants should be able to do the following:

• Gain awareness of the current state of healthcare violence in the United States.

• Recognize how cultural awareness influences the clinician/patient relationship.

• Recognize the role of self-awareness and self-reflection in managing aggressive patients.

• Identify cultural norms in response to anxiety.

• Use self-reflection to understand factors that contribute to feeling threatened.

• Differentiate between verbal and nonverbal communication.

• Identify common body languages used to communicate.

• Gain proficiency in the use of therapeutic communication strategies.

• Gain proficiency in the use of strategies to reduce emotional confrontation.

• Recognize the three stages of conflict with an emphasis on patients and their families.

• Implement strategies for diffusing aggressive behavior based on the identified stage of conflict.

Sidebar 3

Increased Confidence

After participating in the Management of Aggressive Patient Situations program, nurses and other healthcare staff demonstrated improved confidence in managing potentially violent situations with patients and families.