Leading the way: Workplace violence prevention program will extend School of Nursing’s legacy of innovation

Case Western Reserve’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing has long pioneered educational advances. Now, the school is again in the vanguard, developing a certificate program to address the human toll of workplace violence in healthcare.

“As incidents of workplace violence affecting nurses and other healthcare professionals increase nationally, it becomes more vital to equip nurses with the skills to assess, mitigate or manage episodes of violence and their lingering effects,” said Dean Ronald Hickman, PhD, RN (CWR ’00; NUR ’06, ’13; GRS ’08, nursing).

Tentatively scheduled to launch next year, the four-semester Graduate Certificate Program in Forensic Nursing will be offered virtually so nurses anywhere can participate—whether their healthcare system already offers a program or not. 

A study last year by the American Hospital Association estimated the 2023 cost of violence to hospitals—in financial terms alone—was $18.27 billion. Such violence can be perpetrated by patients, family members, co-workers, visitors or others. It can also lead to increased burnout and turnover.

“If we create a new lens through which to examine these topics, our students can help change the face of nursing,” said Susan Painter, DNP, an assistant professor and advanced practice registered nurse, who is developing the program.

Illustration: Raúl Soria