Empowering Our Nurses: Memorial Hermann Health System’s Fight Against Workplace Violence and Commitment to a Culture of Kindness

Ivette Palomeque, a nurse at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, vividly remembers a shocking moment from her early career. A year into her nursing journey, she faced an intense situation: while medical staff performed CPR on a patient, the spouse burst in, lashing out physically at those trying to help. The chaos escalated to the point where the team had to stop CPR, and sadly, the patient did not survive.

Palomeque’s experience is far from unique. Many nurses have faced similar incidents, reflecting a troubling trend in healthcare: workplace violence. A 2021 report from the Texas Nurses Association found that about 40% of nurses reported physical violence at work. Even more alarming, over 70% experienced verbal abuse. Many incidents go unreported because staff fear retaliation or think that violence is simply part of the job.

This perception is dangerous. Nurses are humans dedicated to care, and they should feel safe in their workplace. At Memorial Hermann, there’s a commitment to create a culture where abuse is not tolerated. They believe that no healthcare worker should have to choose between personal safety and patient care.

The aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only intensified these issues. High stress, compounded by fear and frustration, creates a tense environment. Workers face impatient and sometimes aggressive patients, with data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration showing that 73% of workplace violence incidents occur in healthcare settings.

To combat these threats, Memorial Hermann has taken significant steps. Their Workplace Violence Prevention Task Force focuses on communication and enhanced security measures. Training in de-escalation is mandatory for clinical staff, equipping them to recognize and manage potential threats effectively.

Memorial Hermann’s Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) plays a critical role in addressing violence. BERT tracks behavioral incidents so that staff can prepare for potential volatility. If a patient shows aggression, this is documented in their electronic health record. Predictive scoring helps create individualized safety plans.

The response system includes multi-tiered levels, from early intervention huddles to Code BERT and Code Green for severe situations, ensuring a prompt and efficient approach to safety. Measures also include enhanced security technology and increased visibility of security personnel in high-risk areas.

An important part of the safety culture is the Kindness Campaign, which encourages empathy in interactions. It serves as a reminder that healthcare workers also have families and feelings.

Beyond internal efforts, advocacy for better protections is crucial. In 2023, Texas legislators passed several significant laws addressing workplace violence in healthcare, responding to input from advocates. These movements highlight the need for continued efforts to support and protect nurses.

Creating a safe workplace is essential to retain quality staff and provide excellent care. Memorial Hermann is dedicated to this cause, striving for a future where kindness prevails over violence in healthcare.

For further insights on workplace violence statistics and prevention strategies, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides extensive resources and data.

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