Good morning!
Create a plan for these types of instances before, during and after an event.
Authorities should be notified, and a safety event should be recorded in your system.
We have developed a whole de-escalation presentation and workgroup specific to ambulatory utilizing the amazing resources in this Toolkit published by AAACN.
https://www.aaacn.org/practice-resources/ambulatory-care-nursing/workplace-safety-toolkit#wst-after
We initiate a S.A.F.E. Response after an event that includes risk management, security, family relations, and the clinic stakeholders to discuss and develop next steps.
Happy to discuss further. Staff safety should be a priority.
Lisa
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Lisa C. Dutton, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, NE-BC
Professional Development Manager, BWH Department of Ambulatory Nursing
Co-chair; MGB Ambulatory Nurse Council
Clinical Director, MGB Nurse Hotline
Operations Lead, MGB COVID Outpatient Therapies
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
M: 603-479-7468 T: 617-525-7789
brighamandwomens.org
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Original Message:
Sent: 3/11/2025 11:08:00 PM
From: Denise Cota
Subject: Threat to staff
I am wondering what you all have for safeguarding staff. We had a patient that "casually" stated that her son would kill everyone in the building if she wasn't seen for her appointment. She was late so had to ask providers prior to seeing her.
Management did not deem it necessary to alert authorities. Many of us did not feel safe.
We also have an increase in the verbal abuse to staff from patients and leadership and providers tend to take the side of the offender rather than the staff.
Thank you for any information you can share!
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Denise Cota RN
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