The American Nurses Association (ANA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195).This legislation, approved by a vote of 254-166, will help to better protect all health care professionals and require health care and social service industry employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. Safe work environments are fundamental to promoting positive health outcomes for patients and communities.
“ANA commends those members of Congress who remain committed to keeping this critical issue at the forefront and working toward a meaningful solution,” said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The ongoing reports and occurrences of nurses experiencing unwarranted verbal and physical abuse, even while combating a persistent pandemic, are entirely unacceptable and must not be tolerated. Employers must take action to not only implement plans, but also to enforce “zero tolerance” policies and remove all barriers that discourage nurses from safely reporting occurrences of violence and abuse. Systems and processes for safe reporting are key to protecting the well-being of our nation’s nurses and to fostering healthy, safe, and respectful work environments.”
Workplace violence continues to be a top concern for nurses even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a 2019 survey of over 5,000 nurses, 1-in-4 nurses say they experience some form of assault and only 20 – 60% of these incidents are reported. ANA works tirelessly to raise awareness and help end workplace violence and harassment of all forms in every health care setting through multi-faceted strategies, position statements, calls-to-action, and grassroots efforts, and the national initiative, #EndNurseAbuse. Visit ANA’s #EndNurseAbuse resource center to learn more and take action.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4.2 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org
