As a nurse with over 20 years of experience in multiple settings, I’ve seen it all. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet we are constantly placed in harm’s way—physically, emotionally, and mentally. We advocate for patients, but who is advocating for us?
Violence against nurses is a crisis that healthcare organizations, legislators, and the public can no longer ignore. Assaults on nurses should not be tolerated, excused, or dismissed as “part of the job.” It’s time for action.
The Reality of Violence Against Nurses
There are no federal laws protecting nurses from workplace violence. Some states, like Texas and California, have taken steps to pass legislation, but others offer little to no protection. Jean Ross, RN, president of National Nurses United (NNU), put it plainly:
“Nurses are conditioned by our employers to just take it, to accept that violence is part of the job, but we are not willing to take it any longer.”
Are you thinking like Jean? What is your state doing to protect nurses? Do you know your state’s laws regarding violence against healthcare workers? If not, now is the time to find out.
Disturbing Cases That Demand Change
Real-life incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger protections:
- Greenwich Hospital, Connecticut (2025):
A nurse was brutally attacked by a man who entered a secured nursing station, knocked her to the ground, punched her, and threatened further harm. The entire assault was caught on video. The attacker was charged with second-degree assault and unlawful restraint (Greenwich Time). - Palm Beach, Florida (2025):
A 67-year-old nurse suffered severe facial fractures—nearly every bone in her face was broken—after being attacked by a Baker Act patient. Her family is now demanding change. - New York State Law Update:
Under Penal Code §120.05, assaulting a nurse is a felony if the attacker intends to interfere with their duties. This law elevates nurse assaults from misdemeanors to felonies, ensuring harsher consequences (NYSNA).
Legal Protections: Where Do We Stand?
Some states are taking action, but progress is slow:
- Texas Penal Code 22.01: Assaulting a healthcare worker is considered a more serious offense if they are on duty or harmed while performing job responsibilities.
- New York, California, Illinois: These states have strengthened laws imposing harsher penalties for assaults on healthcare workers.
However, bills designed to protect nurses are often written but not passed in the Senate. Advocacy is key.
A Call to Action: Change Starts Now
Nurses deserve the same level of protection as law enforcement officers. It’s time to take action:
✔ Review Workplace Policies – Does your employer have a zero-tolerance policy on nurse assault? If not, demand one.
✔ Engage with Leadership – If policies are outdated or ineffective, start the conversation with management.
✔ Advocate for Stronger Laws – Work with your state’s nursing association to push for better protections.
✔ Implement De-escalation Training – Proper training can reduce risks and empower nurses to handle volatile situations safely.
Enough is enough. We must change the culture of healthcare. Violence against nurses is not part of the job—it is an epidemic that must end. Let’s protect those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
References
- Greenwich Time. (2025). NY man assaulted, threatened nurse at Greenwich Hospital, police say. Retrieved from https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/greenwich-hospital-nurse-assault-gonzalez-20206424.php
- New York Post. (2025). Former nurse busted for abuse after 3 premature babies suffer fractures at Virginia hospital. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/01/03/us-news/former-nurse-busted-for-abuse-after-3-premature-babies-suffer-fractures-at-virginia-hospital/
- NYS Nurses Association (NYSNA). (2025). Nurse Felony Assault Factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.nysna.org/sites/default/files/NurseFelonyAssaultFactsheet-2%5B4%5D.pdf
- Texas Penal Code 22.01. Texas assault laws regarding healthcare workers. Retrieved from https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm
- National Nurses United (NNU). (2025). Jean Ross, RN, on nurse workplace violence. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=3229632447324878
- CBS 12 News. (2025). Palm Beach nurse brutally attacked by Baker Act patient. Retrieved from https://cbs12.com/news/local/palm-beach-nurse-attack
