It is unimaginably stressful for parents to see their children hospitalized –– whether due to respiratory illness or any other life-threatening condition –– including the growing behavioral and mental health crisis. It is unfortunate but not surprising that healthcare workers in pediatric units experienced some of the highest rates of workplace violence in 2022 –– which threatens the ability of your Children’s Hospital staff to deliver excellent care and service to patients and families.

Your staff are your most critical resource to deliver on your number one imperative: to provide the safest and highest quality care to patients. If caregivers are fearful of or experience verbal or physical abuse, they cannot do their jobs well and may consider other career options. That’s why preventing violence and aggression in Children’s Hospitals is critical for patient safety, staff wellness, and organizational health.