RCN ‘appalled’ at attacks on lone working nursing staff

The Royal College of Nursing has said that assaults on nursing staff are completely unacceptable, as new survey findings show that over 60 per cent of nurses working in the community have been subjected to abuse in the past two years.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said he was "utterly appalled" that nurses continue to face violence. “Nurses working alone in the community are vulnerable and are often without back up or immediate help close by - out of sight should not mean out of mind. During these dark, winter nights I expect that many nurses may feel even more at risk and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Nearly half of nurses who responded to the RCN survey did not feel that their employer would take action over verbal abuse, while over a quarter were not convinced they would take action over physical assault. “While it is not surprising that respondents felt their employer would be more likely to take action as a result of physical rather than verbal abuse, it is still completely unacceptable that it should have to come to a nurse suffering physical violence before something is done,” added Dr Carter.

Nearly four in ten survey respondents felt that the risks to lone workers have increased over the past two years but the RCN has said that a lack of funding is not an excuse for ignoring the risks faced by lone working nurses. The RCN also argues that a well-implemented policy, assessment of risks and prevention strategy, including the use of specialist lone worker alarm systems, are sensible investments.

The RCN is calling on employers to do all they can to protect their nursing staff and is urging all lone working nurses to consider the risks and act with caution at all times.

Link to full report