Date of Conferral
7-16-2026
Date of Award
July 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Cara Krulewitch
Abstract
Workplace violence remains a significant issue in healthcare settings, particularly in emergency departments where psychiatric patients may present with aggressive behaviors. Nurses and healthcare staff are frequently exposed to verbal threats, intimidation, and physical aggression, which negatively impact staff safety, job satisfaction, and patient care quality. Despite workplace violence prevention policies, gaps remain in staff preparedness when managing escalating patient behaviors. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to implement an evidence-based de-escalation training program to improve staff knowledge about managing aggressive psychiatric patients in the emergency department. The practice- focused question was: Can staff education on de-escalation techniques improve staff knowledge about reducing workplace violence, as measured by pre- and posttests? Evidence from the current literature supported the use of communication and de- escalation training to improve staff preparedness, confidence, and ability to manage aggressive patient behaviors. The intervention included an educational session, staff handouts, de-escalation strategies, identification of early warning signs, and a pre- and posttest provided to all emergency department staff that care for psychiatric patients. Pre and posttest findings demonstrated a 24% increase in staff knowledge related to de-escalation techniques following the program. The project supported this type of staff training to improve preparedness and promote safer healthcare environments. Continued implementation of de-escalation education may contribute to improved workplace safety, enhanced staff confidence, and positive social change through safer patient care environments
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Tyrani, "Staff Education to Decrease Workplace Violence Through De-Escalation Training in the Emergency Department" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20404.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20404
