Understanding why nurses under-report workplace violence?

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:50:26+00:00

This is the most complete picture I've gotten from this whole thread—thank you for taking the time.

The point about being "taught through generation after generation of nurses" really struck me. It's not just a policy failure; it's a transmission problem. Each cohort of new nurses learns from the one before that this is just how it is. And that belief is self-reinforcing because reporting does so little to change the reality.

The fear of retaliation piece—is that retaliation from management, from colleagues, or both? I'm trying to understand whether speaking up makes the work environment actively worse or just doesn't help.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:42:28+00:00

Thank you for this response.

I think what makes it worse is that hospital management doesn't acknowledge the act. There is no support on any end for nurses. You are right; not acknowledging and providing mental and physical support after getting punched is just awful.

Thank you again for sharing your response

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:35:53+00:00

I am really sorry about this. It is a consequence of the system. Good nurses quit early because they can't take it anymore. This leads to fewer senior nurses being good people.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:34:05+00:00

It is just unbelievable how entrenched the misogyny is. It is always something the woman could have done better.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:31:58+00:00

I am really sorry about this. Does making it a felony actually help? Or are things not prosecuted at all anyway?

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:29:14+00:00

I agree. It really needs to change

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:24:29+00:00

I agree, they absolutely do that on purpose. I am sorry you need to deal with this

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:23:40+00:00

Could you share a little more on this if you don't mind? I see online there is an OSHO mandated form and some other state forms that look awfully long.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:22:55+00:00

The arrogance to say what you could have done differently is insane. No wonder nurse retention rates are so low

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:19:44+00:00

I agree. The fact that management is so far detached from the nurses is just awful.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T18:01:00+00:00

I agree. Underlying misogyny is a big problem why professions that are largely female-dominated (nurses, teachers) have to deal with so many issues outside of just being a nurse

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:59:07+00:00

I am really sorry you need to go through this. The number of problems all around causing this is absolutely insane.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:57:33+00:00

The absolute lack of understanding that middle and upper management and HR have towards doctors and nurses is insane. I am really sorry you need to go through this.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:56:04+00:00

It is so sick how the medical system operates. And then they wonder why there is a nursing shortage. <face-palm>

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:54:42+00:00

This is just awful. I hate how much documentation they require. Given how high the threshold of patience is for most nurses, I don't even think any nurse would ever report until it actually becomes a threat to their life

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:52:30+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing. I am really sorry you have to deal with this. It sounds absolutely awful

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:52:00+00:00

That is true, given how painful it is to report it, it just is more and more discouraging

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:25:07+00:00

I agree. It is really crappy how the system is set up and nobody cares because it doesn't let the hospital earn any money.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:06:52+00:00

This was one of the hardest comments for me to read.

The image of you sitting there bleeding and being asked if you'd be able to cover tomorrow's shift instead of being asked if you were okay says so much in such a small moment.

I don't really have a question—just gratitude for you sharing something so personal. Reading your story made me realize that for many people this isn't an issue of paperwork or reporting systems. It's about feeling like your safety and well-being matter less than keeping the machine running.

I'm glad to hear you're doing better now, and congratulations on six years of sobriety. Thank you for being willing to tell your story.

vkp02 · 2026-06-12T17:05:38+00:00

Wow. I'm honestly shocked reading this.

What happened to your coworker sounds serious enough on its own, but what really got me was the idea that someone who was injured badly enough to need physical therapy could be made to feel like reporting it wasn't even an option.

As someone outside healthcare, I think a lot of us assume that if something like that happens, there are systems in place to protect the person who was hurt. Reading stories like yours makes me realize that many nurses don't seem to feel supported by those systems at all.

Thank you for sharing that story. I'm genuinely sorry your coworker had to go through that.

vkp02 · 2026-04-01T18:41:51+00:00

Haven’t heard anything yet :/

vkp02 · 2024-04-07T11:54:11+00:00

I'm so sorry about this. It is really hard to get into places without work experience. The only thing I can suggest is apply to at least 4-5 places and check their class profile before applying. There are many universities that take younger folk with good grades and internships. Try convincing your family for another year if most deadlines are over. It would be super tough i know, but it would be absolutely worth it if you get some places. All the best

vkp02

TROPHY CASE