RISNA's Statement on Workplace Violence

Dear ANA-RI/RISNA MEMBERS:

On Friday a registered nurse on a psychiatric unit at a local hospital was assaulted by a patient and is in critical condition. ANA-RI/RISNA would like to offer our support to the nurses who witnessed this incident and the nurses who are rendering care to our fellow nurse who was assaulted. Our thoughts are also with the nurse’s family during this difficult time.

Nurses and healthcare workers are continually exposed to workplace violence in all healthcare settings. Advocating for the safety of nurses and patients is what ANA-RI/RISNA has strived for since 1905.

Workplace violence in healthcare is increasing across our nation and must be addressed both on the local and national levels. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics healthcare and social service workers are 5X as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall. 1 in 4 nurses reported being physically assaulted to a 2019 ANA survey.

The American Nurses Association of which ANA-RI is a Constituent/State Nurses Association, along with Senator Jack Reed and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse are in support of the Workforce Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, H.R. 2663/S. 1176. These bills if enacted would allow protection for nurses, and healthcare workers. It would mandate that OSHA develop and enforce standards and hold employers accountable for protecting their workers.

ANA-RI applauds these continued efforts. There are many unknown factors that led to the tragic event that happened on Friday. We as a
profession must remain united in our care and support of one another and continuing commitment to all patients, and continue to advocate for our own protection in order to do the work of nursing in every setting.

The call for action is now.