Violence against Health Care Workers: Impact on Nurses
A 2023 survey by the NC Nurses Association found that approximately 8 in 10 nurses experienced at least one type of workplace violence.
For a North Carolina nurse, Mel, preparing for work felt like preparing for war. She would wonder, "Who's gonna fight today?" before heading into a shift in the emergency room.
- More than 48% of nurses in North Carolina reported witnessing violence at work.
- Over 27% of respondents to a 2022 survey by the North Carolina Nurses Association were victims of violence themselves.
The problem is getting worse.
In response, North Carolina passed the Hospital Violence Protection Act in 2023, requiring improved safety measures and increased criminal penalties for assaulting medical and emergency personnel.
Author's summary: Nurses face alarming rates of workplace violence.