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Dear community of the Chilean Journal of Nursing, we inform you that we continue to receive articles for publication this 2024,
with a continuous publication system on Nursing and Health Sciences topics;
and an average publication time of nine weeks from article submission to publication. (GUIDELINES FOR THE AUTOR)
Violence in emergency services as a threat to the mental health of nursing professionals
Authors
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Camilo Andrés Silva Sánchez
Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5365-7338
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José Francisco Carrera Alarcón
Clínica MEDS
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7214-021X
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Rossana Ester Becerra Salas
Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6200-5110
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Abstract
Objective: To reflect on the impact that violence from users and/or their families has on the mental health of nursing professionals. Development: Violence against nursing staff in emergency departments is a persistent and normalized issue, with direct consequences on emotional wellbeing, professional performance, and quality of care. Various studies report that more than 60% of staff have been victims of aggression, mainly verbal, resulting in stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and burnout. This negatively affects empathy, concentration, and clinical responsiveness, compromising patient safety. Factors such as service collapse, long waiting times, and work overload are cited as possible triggers of aggressive behaviour by users and relatives. However, the absence of clear institutional protocols, lack of psychological support, and weak selfcare culture worsen the situation, leaving staff exposed and unsupported. Conclusion: Violence in emergency services must be addressed as a systemic threat that requires comprehensive responses. It is urgent to establish prevention policies, action protocols, psychoemotional support systems, and educational interventions starting at the undergraduate level. Recognizing and confronting this issue is key to protecting staff wellbeing and ensuring a safe and humanized clinical environment.
Keywords:
Workplace violence , Aggression , Nursing , Hospital emergency services , Mental healthReferences
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