A Call to Action for All Nurses – Make the Workplace Safe for All 

26 Feb, 2025 Anne Llewellyn

                               
Case Management Focus

Ponder this statement: One in four nurses face workplace violence, a rate higher than police and correctional officers. 

As the result of two recent catastrophic events last week, where two nurses were critically injured – WE the nursing workforce must demand action to prevent this from happening. Just like other events like this, initially there is an outcry of support, prayers and good wishes….but that is not helping. Nothing is helping – and we the US workforce are being forced to live in far and mistrust of our fellow man.  

In case you have not heard of the recent events where nurses and other healthcare professionals were in danger while doing there jobs, here is a short overview with links to the stories.  

In one case, a nurse in West Palm Beach FL at an HCA Facility was taking care of a patient who was ‘Baker Acted’ (involuntarily committment as he was unsafe to himself or other) was assaulted when the patient attacked her and repeatedly based her face. Reports say the nurse may lose both eyes as a result. Here is a link to the story. https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/loxahatchee-acreage/essentially-every-bone-broken-in-nurses-face-after-attack-at-palms-west-hospital-affidavit-says 

The second episode was of a man who had a family member die in the University of Pittsburgh Hospital in York PA. The patient apparently was terminal. After the death, several of the nurses sat with the man, talked to him, tried to console him and help him process the passing of his loved one. He eventually left but came back to the hospital with an assault weapon, went to the ICU and took a group of people hostage. He then shot and killed one police officer, and injured five others.  He was killed during the attack. Here is a link to the story https://abcnews.go.com/US/multiple-injuries-reported-shooting-pennsylvania-hospital-law-enforcement/story?id=119079367  

While specific details from these events are still being investigated, it is evident that nurses and all healthcare professionals find themselves on the front line of violence. Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a significant concern and pubic healthcare threat. Measures must be implemented to ensure the safety of those who have dedicated their careers to caring for others. 

Today there are 5 million registered nurses nationwide. I challenge each nurse to demand a meeting with their leadership to talk about what will be done to ensure safe working conditions.  

The time is now. Use Your Voice and be careful out there!  


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    About The Author

    • Anne Llewellyn

      Anne Llewellyn is a registered nurse with over forty years of experience in critical care, risk management, case management, patient advocacy, healthcare publications and training and development. Anne has been a leader in the area of Patient Advocacy since 2010. She was a Founding member of the Patient Advocate Certification Board and is currently serving on the National Association of Health Care Advocacy. Anne writes a weekly Blog, Nurse Advocate to share stories and events that will educate and empower people be better prepared when they enter the healthcare system.

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