Active Shooter Workshop

Abstract

<h3>Background Information</h3> Active shooter situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, demanding immediate response by the community and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to stop the shooting and prevent further harm to the community. Clinical nurses expressed concern that the PACU is an open unit. This means anyone who has access to the hospital premises was able to enter the unit. At night and on the weekends, the entire third floor of the hospital, where the G3 PACU is located, may only have two nurses working. Clinical nurses also affirmed their lack of confidence to handle an active shooter incident. <h3>Objectives of Project</h3> To increase confidence of G3 PACU clinical nurses in managing an active shooter incident. <h3>Process of Implementation</h3> The PACU nursing leadership team, in partnership with the security department developed an active shooter education plan. The active shooter workshop was an hour-long session focused on how to cope and respond to an active shooter situation. The session included strategies on how to run, hide, and fight during an active shooter incident or any other workplace violence. PACU nurses had expressed appreciation on how the NYP/WC leadership team made employee safety an utmost priority. Pre and post surveys were taken by all participants. The following questions were asked: "I know what steps to take to barricade against the active shooter" and "I feel prepared to protect myself from an active shooter while at work". <h3>Statement of Successful Practice</h3> The active shooter workshop demonstrated positive outcomes as shown in the pre and post-survey results. On the question "I know what steps to take to barricade against the active shooter", only 9% of the nurses responded "Strongly Agree" prior to the workshop. Immediately following the workshop, 45% of the nurses responded "strongly agree". <h3>Implications for Advancing the Practice of Perianesthesia Nursing</h3> Active shooter incidents have been on the rise in public settings including hospitals. It is imperative that nursing leadership ensure that their teams are as prepared as possible in the event of an active shooter. Active shooter workshops are now available for all New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell employees.