AONL podcast offers effective tools against workplace violence

An AONL podcast features nursing leaders at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., discussing how they developed a tool to significantly reduce workplace violence. In response to mounting workplace violence incidents, Atrium formed a task force and found nurses were underreporting incidents. Front-line nurses and nurse leaders formed a strong partnership to develop and implement the evidence-based STAMP tool, which incorporates signs suggesting a patient or family member might become easily angered. STAMP stands for Staring, Tone, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing. Employees can move patients exhibiting these traits to a safe area near security. Atrium also made it easier for nurses to report and document incidents, reducing under-reporting.