Emergency Nurses Advocate for Legislation Addressing Workplace Violence and Mental Health Support

On April 30, 2025, nearly 200 emergency nurses from across the United States descended upon Washington D.C. for the annual Day on the Hill event organized by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). This gathering aimed to underscore the urgent need for legislative measures that prioritize the health, well-being, and safety of health care workers, particularly in emergency settings.

The emergency nurses, wearing their scrubs and armed with data, made their voices heard in dozens of meetings with Congressional members and staff. They focused on two pivotal pieces of legislation: the Save Healthcare Workers Act and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act. These bills are designed to tackle ongoing issues surrounding workplace violence and mental health challenges within the healthcare sector.

Ryan Oglesby, the President of ENA, articulated the association's mission succinctly, stating, “Since 1999, ENA members have used their voices on Capitol Hill to bring awareness and drive action on the issues of greatest importance to emergency nurses, their peers, and their patients.” ENA members are fervent advocates, particularly when it comes to safeguarding healthcare workers from violence and providing robust mental health support for those experiencing stress and burnout from their demanding roles.

Addressing Workplace Violence

A significant point of discussion during these meetings was the Save Healthcare Workers Act. This legislation seeks to make the assault of a healthcare worker a federal offense, a critical step that could deter violence in emergency departments across the nation. Emergency nurses report facing not only verbal but also physical violence on a daily basis, which has a profound effect on their safety and job satisfaction.

With healthcare workers often bearing the brunt of aggressive patients and their families, ENA members are urging Congress to take swift action to reintroduce this important legislation. By raising awareness and urging support from legislators, they hope to establish safer workplace environments for emergency nurses.

Prioritizing Mental Well-Being

In addition to addressing physical threats, the nurses also highlighted the importance of mental health resources for themselves and their colleagues. The Dr. Lorna Breen Act, which was well-received during its initial passage through Congress, aims to allocate funding for programs that promote mental well-being for healthcare workers. The act serves as a response to the severe psychological toll experienced by many healthcare professionals, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

During their Capitol Hill visits, ENA advocates emphasized the need to continue funding these initiatives. As many emergency nurses are considering leaving the profession over health concerns, providing adequate mental health resources is more vital than ever.

The ENA's Vision

Founded in 1970, the Emergency Nurses Association stands as a vital resource for nearly 45,000 members globally. They are committed to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, and innovation. ENA works tirelessly to promote patient safety and drive policies that support both healthcare providers and the patients they serve.

The issues of workplace violence and mental well-being are just two of the many challenges that emergency nurses face daily. Through events like Day on the Hill and dedicated advocacy efforts, ENA continues to push for legislative reforms that are crucial for the betterment of emergency nursing and healthcare at large. For further information on their advocacy priorities and initiatives, visit ena.org/advocacy.

This significant day serves as a driving force for both awareness and action, illustrating that together, the voices of emergency nurses can pave the way for critical change in healthcare legislation.