MNA condemns workplace violence & promotes nurses safety
Posted 1 day ago in Workplace Violence Prevention
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Dear MNA Member,
Recent acts of violence are appalling. It evokes a stark reminder that nurses may find themselves at the front line of violence. Workplace violence in healthcare settings remains a significant concern.
“Workplace violence is a longstanding and unresolved issue in healthcare. It is a growing public health crisis that demands urgent attention. It worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, overburdening an already strained healthcare system.” says Jennifer S. Mensik Kennedy, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President of the American Nurses Association (ANA). “One in three nurses lack the necessary safeguards to ensure their safety on the job, and one in every three nurses report personally experiencing workplace violence. The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) has the authority to strengthen prevention and reporting requirements, but stronger mandates and enforcement are critical to tracking and mitigating workplace violence effectively. They must act now.” OSHA has been working for years to establish a national standard on workplace violence that mandates facilities to devise their own violence prevention and response plans. ANA is challenging OSHA to take critical action within a year.
MNA strongly advocates implementing measures to protect healthcare professionals who have dedicated their careers to caring for others. MNA supports this mission through:
- Backing Maryland and national legislation against workplace violence
- Collaborating with the Maryland Hospital Administration to enhance nurse safety
- Helping establish organizational safety training programs
- Educating nurses about actions they can take when recognizing unsafe conditions
MNA is looking at ways we can continue to educate nurses about workplace violence. More information will be provided at a later date.
Sincerely,
Lou Barb
President Lou J. Bartolo & Executive Director Barb Biedrzycki