Ambulatory Nursing Leadership Development of a Workplace Violence Prevention Model Employing Direct Experience, Patient Empathy, and Cross-Functional Team Partnerships

As a consequence of today’s current health care environment, ambulatory nursing leaders face the growing issue of workplace violence. The duty to maintain and protect a culture of safety for staff, providers, and patients in health systems necessitates that nursing leaders are prepared to address this problem in their areas of responsibility. The ambulatory setting requires nurse leaders to possess multifaceted competencies to serve in principal roles that address such challenges. An effective leadership compass is critical to guide transdisciplinary outpatient health care teams toward meaningful workplace violence prevention. Proficiencies required include broad clinical practice knowledge, effective change management, and strategic management abilities. The capacity to create, adapt, and apply integrative solutions across a wide range of clinic settings is essential. This article details a synergistic nursing leadership approach intended to both prevent and mitigate disruptive and violent patient behaviors in the ambulatory health care setting. The development of a series of expandable divisional and organizational strategies incorporating patient empathy, customer service, preparedness, and an intervening response model, highlights the importance of staff preparation and training, and interdisciplinary leadership collaboration.