Section C: Personal and Environmental Factors that may Contributeto AbuseThrough research, the College has identified some personal and environmental factors that may contribute tothe likelihood of nurses abusing clients. Managing these factors is an important part of preventing abuse.Personal factors that increase the risk of a nurse abusing clients are if the nurse:
■ is or has been abused her/himself;
■ is experiencing professional burnout;
■ has personal problems that decrease her/his ability to cope with work related stress (e.g., marital orfinancial problems);
■ has a great deal of situational stress (such as tiredness, working continual nights);
■ lacks insight into personal and cultural values and traits which influence either her/his own or theclients’ reactions and responses;
■ disregards clients’ rights; and
■ is unsure of how to manage difficult client situations or clients who display aggressive behaviours.
Environmental factors that increase the risk of abuse of clients are:
■ heavy workload;
■ inappropriate nursing skill mix for the client population;
■ inadequate staffing; and
■ lack of support and caring for the caregivers.The risk of abuse is also greater with clients who:
■ are elderly;
■ exhibit confusion;
■ display aggressive or combative behaviours; or
■ are labelled as "difficult."1.
Based on these factors, what serious risk factors for the abuse of clients do you see in your own practice
setting?