To this day, she wonders if she could respond were she threatened again. A good follow-up program needs administrators who support it wholeheartedly. But the organization will benefit by providing follow-up care, since people who feel cared for don' t burn out as fast. Despite that, Lanza says that although she sees progress in the workplace toward preventing violence, follow-up efforts are still lacking. Unfortunately, the consequences can be life-altering.
Some victims develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder that can persist for months or years.
Nonetheless, nurses are resilient and heal despite lack of support, but they may suffer unnecessarily. E. feels like a case in point. Although she is much more aware of potential threats to her personal safety, she no longer thinks about the assault unless someone brings it up. This event has left its mark on her life. Judith Surveyer Mitiguy, RN, MS, is a frequent contributor to Nursing Spectrum.