Doctor and nurse in heated discussion

Workplace Violence Prevention in Healthcare

Workplace violence in healthcare is a growing concern that affects staff safety, patient care, and organizational efficiency. This online continuing education course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to recognize risk factors, identify warning signs, and implement effective prevention and de-escalation strategies. Participants will learn employer and employee responsibilities, evidence-based interventions, and practical tools for creating a safer work environment. Through real-world case scenarios, data-driven insights, and actionable guidance, this course empowers healthcare workers to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the patients they serve.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Define workplace violence and describe its impact on healthcare settings.
  2. Identify common risk factors, environmental hazards, and populations at higher risk for violence.
  3. Recognize early behavioral and situational warning signs of escalating hostility.
  4. Explain employer and employee roles in promoting workplace safety and preventing violence.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Understanding Workplace Violence in Healthcare

  • Definitions, types, and categories of workplace violence
  • The scope of the problem in healthcare

Chapter 2: Current Trends and Statistics

  • Prevalence and emerging data
  • Regulatory updates (OSHA, Joint Commission, CMS)

Chapter 3: The Impact and Cost of Workplace Violence

  • Financial costs
  • Emotional and psychological effects on staff
  • Patient care and organizational consequences

Chapter 4: Data Analysis – Trends and Patterns

  • National Data and Statistics
  • Limitations and Barriers in Data Collection

Chapter 5: Assessing and Screening for Risk

  • Understanding Risk in Healthcare Settings
  • Screening Tools and Methods
  • High-Risk Situations and Red Flags

Chapter 6: Interventions and De-Escalation Strategies

  • The Hierarchy of Interventions
  • Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
  • Nonverbal De-Escalation Strategies
  • Environmental and Engineering Controls
  • Administrative and Organizational Strategies

Chapter 7: Identifying Risk Factors in Different Settings

  • Hospitals and Inpatient Units
  • Emergency Departments (ED)
  • Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Units
  • Long-Term Care and Geriatric Facilities
  • Outpatient Clinics and Ambulatory Care
  • Home Healthcare

Chapter 8: Employer and Employee Responsibilities

  • Employer Responsibilities
  • Employee Responsibilities
  • Collaborative Responsibilities
  • Regulatory and Accreditation Considerations

Chapter 9: Conclusion and Future Directions

  • Key Takeaways
  • Emerging Trends in Workplace Violence Prevention
  • Practical Steps for Future Implementation
  • Case Examples

Chapter 10: References

  • References
  • California BON Required Implicit Bias Information

Price: $18.00

Contact Hours: 1.5

Doctor and nurse in heated discussion

Course Author

Author photo for Kendall Moore

Kendall Moore

Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing and completed Pacific College of Health and Science’s RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program in 2026, also graduating Magna Cum Laude.

In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy Education, where she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and contributes as an educational course author. Her combination of leadership experience, clinical knowledge, and passion for holistic health reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.

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Course Accreditation

See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.