Workplace Violence Prevention in Healthcare

This course prepares healthcare workers across all settings to recognize, prevent, and respond to workplace violence. Learners will explore the definition of workplace violence and its four types — including the often-overlooked forms of bullying and lateral violence — along with the personal, environmental, organizational, and social factors that increase risk. The course presents a systems-level approach to prevention, covering engineering and administrative controls and individual de-escalation skills, with practice scenarios featuring relatable healthcare characters. Learners will also gain clear, practical guidance on what to do in the aftermath of a violent event, including how to report, document, participate in a debrief, and access available support resources.

This course aligns with the state of California’s Workplace Violence Prevention training requirements, as outlined in CCR § 3342, as part of a broader workplace violence prevention program. Note: Per CCR 3342, California employers must also provide additional opportunities for interactive training.

Course Objectives
1. Define workplace violence and identify the four types most relevant to healthcare settings
2. Recognize personal, environmental, organizational, and social risk factors for workplace violence
3. Apply organizational prevention strategies and individual de-escalation techniques
4. Identify appropriate responses across the four stages of crisis
5. Describe the steps to take in the aftermath of a workplace violence event, including reporting, documentation, and accessing support

Estimated Runtime: 20 minutes

Reviewed and approved by
Nancy Allen, BSN, RNC, CMC

NOTE: This course is not a substitute for legal advice for any individual provider or situation. Always consult your company's legal or compliance personnel with any questions or concerns related to this subject matter.