Mitigating violence against nurses through trauma-informed security

The concerning surge in workplace violence against nurses indicates a significant threat to the safety of nurses. This study used a mixed-methods design and a pragmatic worldview to critically appraise secondary data on how trauma-informed security can reduce violence against nurses. The scope of this research study was limited to the healthcare security discipline and focused on the current threats of violence against nurses, its implications on healthcare safety and security, and the principles of trauma-informed security. The primary research question of this study aimed to determine “How might trauma-informed security reduce violence against nurses?” A correlation between trauma, hospitalization, and acts of violence and aggression was reported in this study. The themes explored in the literature suggested several factors related to workplace violence that impact the safety of nurses, the need for improved interprofessional relationships between nurses and security officers, and, importantly, the need for traumainformed hospital security practices and policies. This study advocates for hospital security practices and policies to be grounded on the principles of trauma-informed security and for further research on the benefits of transitioning towards a trauma-informed healthcare security model that improves the safety and security of security officers and nurses.