Legislation Urged to Combat Nurse Safety Issues and Silence Culture in Pennsylvania

The Push for Change in Pennsylvania's Nursing Sector

The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) is raising an urgent call to action for new legislative measures aimed at addressing a critical issue: the culture of silence surrounding workplace violence against nurses. With over 300,000 registered and practical nurses in the state, PSNA's advocacy focuses on ensuring better safety standards and accountability measures within healthcare facilities.

In the wake of alarming incidents, like the tragic shooting and hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, the issue of nurse safety has gained newfound attention. A police officer was tragically killed while attempting to protect nurses and patients during this crisis. However, PSNA emphasizes that such violence is often normalized, with one in four nurses reportedly facing physical assaults on the job—a staggering figure that the association believes is likely underreported.

CEO Wayne Reich, who has extensive firsthand experience as a nurse, laments the normalization of violence within the profession. He states, "Nurses have learned to normalize violence as being part of the job... that mindset is dangerous. It compromises not only nurse safety but also patient care." This perspective sheds light on the urgent need for legislative measures to not only protect nurses but also enhance the quality of healthcare delivery.

The existing mechanisms for reporting violent incidents can be cumbersome and ineffective. According to Reich, many incidents are dismissed or go unreported, particularly if they do not escalate to a level requiring police intervention. Furthermore, some nurses experience undue blame for the actions taken against them, discouraging them from coming forward. "Worse, nurses can feel they're to blame for actions of violence against them," he adds. This self-blame culture exacerbates the issue and perpetuates a cycle of silence instead of accountability.

In 2024, a proposal for legislation aimed at preventing workplace violence in healthcare settings, known as the Healthcare Violence Prevention Act, failed to pass. This proposed law would have mandated that healthcare facilities form workplace violence prevention committees to assess risks, develop prevention strategies, and ensure staff accountability. A minimum of half the committee members would consist of healthcare workers engaged in direct patient care, making it a much-needed professional policy overhaul.

PSNA’s CEO insists that enough is enough: "Patients deserve care from nurses who feel safe, respected, and valued." The proposed legislation also aims to dismantle the prevailing culture of silence by allowing healthcare facilities to face fines of up to $10,000 for noncompliance with safety standards and providing nurses with a platform to report incidents of violence without fear of retaliation.

To this end, the PSNA is mobilizing healthcare workers, encouraging them to support and advocate for the new legislation. Nurses are also invited to share their personal experiences and insights with PSNA to fortify the collective call for change. The PSNA sees strong legislative backing as essential to fostering a safer work environment that protects both healthcare workers and patients alike. If you are a nurse in Pennsylvania, consider visiting PSNA’s website to learn how you can contribute to this pressing issue.

In conclusion, addressing nurse safety through effective legislation is crucial for the overall wellbeing of both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve. The PSNA is leading the charge, but they need the support of all healthcare staff and the community to effectuate the necessary changes. With the right action, we can create a safer and more respectful healthcare environment that fosters healing and care, not fear.