The extent, nature, and response to victimization of emergency nurses in Pennsylvania.

A survey of 124 emergency departments documents the existence of significant victimization of emergency nurses. Data reflect an increased incidence of violence associated with urban settings, night shifts, shifts more than 8 hours long, patients who are intoxicated, patients who have medical conditions such as dementia or cerebral trauma, and male emergency nurses. After victimization, almost 15% of responding nurses had considered transferring to another unit; almost 18% had considered leaving nursing altogether.