Nurses Unite Against Violence in Workplace

MEDIA–Local nurses came together on the steps of the March 1 to announce legislation that would prevent violence in healthcare facilities.

About 75 nurses, members of the Delaware County Council and District Attorney Michael Green, gathered to introduce the legislation that would prevent violence against nurses and other healthcare professionals, which is on the rise.

Patricia Eakin, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), said that the legislation is now making progress.

She said no one should be in fear of getting bitten, punched or spit upon while they are doing their job.

"The statistics against health care workers is appalling," Eakin, who is also an emergency room nurse, said. "They are 16 times more likely to be assaulted than any other profession."

Samantha Karr, an emergency room nurse, told her story of being assaulted by a patient at work.

Karr said she was performing a procedure on a patient when she sat up in bed and bit Karr’s upper arm and didn’t let go.

"It took four or five people to get her off of me," she said.

Karr said she has a sizable scar from the incident and it has caused emotional pain along with the physical pain.

The hospital staff, however, handled the situation wonderfully, she said.

"Their response was wonderful," Karr said. "They took care of the wound and calmed me down. They were great."

Karr said she wants this legislation passed not only for her sake, but for all healthcare employees.

"I see how much it happens and I want my fellow employees to be safe as well," she said.

Green said assaults against nurses and healthcare employees are under reported in Pennsylvania and this legislation would require employers to report the crime.

"An investigation can then happen promptly while witnesses and the victim are still at the scene," he said. "And we can put an end to these assaults. No one should have to be in fear at the workplace."

Green said he plans to support this bill until the legislation is adopted.

There are no statewide statistics on the number of assaults against health care employees, Eakin said.

She said part of the legislation would be to document the incidents.

State Representative Nicholas Micozzie (R-163) introduced the bill to Congress and is the prime sponsor.

"I am pleased to join with healthcare workers, hospital administrators and organizations to draw attention to and help solve the disturbing problem of violence against workers in healthcare settings," Micozzie said in a statement.