COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Safety for hospital staff has become a pressing issue at Kootenai Health, where clinical violence is being addressed with increased focus.
Mental health specialist Kimberly Windsor explained the measures in place, emphasizing the importance of quick response. “And if you hit this button it actually will make a noise and everyone will come running,” she said.
Lisa Bunker, chair of the Workplace Violence Committee, shared insights into the current situation. “And so in the last 12 months there have been 235 incidents of clinical violence at Kootenai Health,” she said. Bunker also noted that seven of these cases required significant medical attention.
Kootenai Health has implemented comprehensive training and procedures, including the use of walkie-talkies with a “man down” button for psychiatric unit staff. Bunker highlighted the importance of these measures, stating, “Security is essential for staff retention and for staff just feeling safe coming to work.”
The American Hospital Association reports that up to 76% of healthcare workers in the U.S. have experienced violence on the job, with nurses being particularly affected. This statistic underscores the need for Kootenai Health’s focus on defining clinical violence and training staff in verbal de-escalation and situational awareness.
Windsor emphasized the importance of vigilance among staff members, saying, “It helps us feel a lot safer. Cause you never know. We have certain patients that are very unpredictable.” She encouraged a proactive approach, adding, “I would say, not to sound very cliche, but if you see something say something.”
Both Windsor and Bunker stressed the significance of staff looking out for one another to maintain a safe work environment. Their efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring the health and safety of healthcare workers at Kootenai Health.
