Abstract
In 2015, the American Nurses Association called upon nursing faculty to develop and create workplace violence prevention programs. In response to the ANA, our innovative educational experiences show how the implementation of scaffolded experiences in self-defense, de-escalation, and leadership within an accelerated nursing program better prepares students for the realities of practice. In healthcare, especially in fast-paced settings, nurses often face challenging situations that require quick decision-making, conflict management, and assertive leadership to maintain safety for all. Workplace violence continues to increase in prevalence in the healthcare setting. Scaffolding—a progressive, structured approach to skill development—enables students to build foundational skills in self-defense and de-escalation and then apply them in increasingly complex and realistic simulations. By starting with basic techniques and gradually introducing dynamic, high-stress scenarios, students learn to manage their physical and emotional responses effectively. The incorporation of leadership skills emphasizes situational awareness, patient advocacy, and clear communication, which are essential for managing crises. The project evaluates the impact of scaffolded training on nursing students’ confidence, situational adaptability, and ability to lead under pressure. Data collected from summative student feedback, observation, and performance assessments indicate that scaffolded experiences in education significantly enhanced students’ readiness for real-world clinical challenges, particularly those involving potential conflict. Findings suggest that scaffolded simulation is a valuable educational strategy, equipping students with both the interpersonal and leadership skills required to maintain safety and provide quality care.
Notes
References:
Friese, C. R., Medvec, B. R., Marriott, D. J., Khadr, L., Rurka Wade, M., Riba, M., & Titler, M. G. (2024). Changes in Registered Nurse Employment Plans and Workplace Assessments. JAMA Network Open, 7(7), e2421680-. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21680
Powell, R. (2023). A Quality Improvement Project to Improve the Confidence of Emergency Department Nurses by Implementing Workplace Violence Prevention Education. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.
Scallan, R. M., Speciale, A., Kasen, K. E. M., Martin, D., Byon, H. D., & Quatrara, B. A. (2024). A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Emergency Nurse Workplace Violence Reporting. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 50(5), 591–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2024.07.001
Experiences of Workplace Violence in Graduate Nursing Clinical Education. (n.d.). Nurse Educator., 49(5). https://doi.org/info:doi/
Exploring nurses’ emotional reactions to and reporting of patient-on-nurse workplace violence: A mixed-methods study. (n.d.). International Journal of Nursing Studies., 153, 104724–104724. https://doi.org/info:doi/
Workplace Violence - Are You Prepared? (n.d.). Nephrology Nursing Journal., 45(5), 409–410. https://doi.org/info:doi/
Workplace Violence--The Joint Commission’s Sentinel Alert. (2018). Nephrology Nursing Journal., 45(3), 291–292. https://doi.org/info:doi/
Engel RS, McManus HD, Herold TD. Does de-escalation training work? A systematic review and call for evidence in police use-of-force reform. Criminol Public Policy. 2020; 19: 721–759. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12467
Sigma Membership
Gamma Chi
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Curriculum Development, lncivility, Teaching and Learning Strategies, De-escalation, Scaffolding, Skill Development, Nursing Students
Recommended Citation
Bailey, Carrie Ann; Beeler, Lynn; Hicks, Robin; Meloy, Vikki; Wheeler, Staci; and Gilbert, Darren, "Nurse Strong: Building Resilience Through De-Escalation" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 123.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/123
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Nurse Strong: Building Resilience Through De-Escalation
Seattle, Washington, USA
In 2015, the American Nurses Association called upon nursing faculty to develop and create workplace violence prevention programs. In response to the ANA, our innovative educational experiences show how the implementation of scaffolded experiences in self-defense, de-escalation, and leadership within an accelerated nursing program better prepares students for the realities of practice. In healthcare, especially in fast-paced settings, nurses often face challenging situations that require quick decision-making, conflict management, and assertive leadership to maintain safety for all. Workplace violence continues to increase in prevalence in the healthcare setting. Scaffolding—a progressive, structured approach to skill development—enables students to build foundational skills in self-defense and de-escalation and then apply them in increasingly complex and realistic simulations. By starting with basic techniques and gradually introducing dynamic, high-stress scenarios, students learn to manage their physical and emotional responses effectively. The incorporation of leadership skills emphasizes situational awareness, patient advocacy, and clear communication, which are essential for managing crises. The project evaluates the impact of scaffolded training on nursing students’ confidence, situational adaptability, and ability to lead under pressure. Data collected from summative student feedback, observation, and performance assessments indicate that scaffolded experiences in education significantly enhanced students’ readiness for real-world clinical challenges, particularly those involving potential conflict. Findings suggest that scaffolded simulation is a valuable educational strategy, equipping students with both the interpersonal and leadership skills required to maintain safety and provide quality care.
Description
The incorporation of leadership skills emphasizes situational awareness, patient advocacy, and clear communication, which are essential for managing crises. Scaffolded simulation is a valuable educational strategy, equipping students with both the interpersonal and leadership skills required to maintain safety and provide quality care. This approach addresses the unique demands of healthcare, preparing students to navigate complex, high-stakes interactions effectively and ethically.