The Massachusetts Nurses Association is pushing for a legislative solution against violence in the workplace, citing a new survey that reports nearly 50 percent of nurses have been assaulted or abused while at work.
The survey by the MNA of 220 nurses found that nearly 50 percent have been punched, spit on, groped, kicked or otherwise assaulted or abused. However, only 9 percent of nurses say their employer was supportive and tried to find solutions after they experienced violence.
This survey comes as the MNA continues to push for legislation that would require hospitals to take steps to protect employees, such as performing risk assessments, developing violence prevention plans and examining risk factors such as working hours. The MNA will speak in favor of that bill, An Act Requiring Health Care Employers to Develop and Implement Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence, on Thursday.
