Enhancing Protection for Healthcare Workers: A Call to Action

self insemination kit

On a warm spring evening, I found a moment of respite during my night shift in the emergency department (ED). As I inhaled the fresh air and stretched my back, headlights suddenly illuminated the parking lot, racing towards the portico where I stood. The unpredictable nature of my role as an ED nurse meant my break would soon be interrupted by the arrival of a patient requiring immediate medical care.

What transpired next was beyond anything I could have anticipated.

The vehicle screeched to a halt, and a frantic man exited the driver’s seat, shouting that his friend was bleeding in the back. As he opened the door, I was met with a gruesome sight: his companion lay in a pool of blood, suffering from a severe gunshot wound to the abdomen. I quickly reassured the driver that I would return shortly with assistance and a stretcher.

However, the situation escalated when the driver, now irate, seized my wrist and yanked me towards the car. He forced my head into the backseat and blocked my escape. He continued to scream at me to help his friend, and without my medical tools or additional support, I felt utterly powerless. As I pleaded for him to allow me to fetch help, he revealed a firearm tucked into his waistband.

Panic set in as I realized I was in a perilous situation. Fortunately, a vigilant security guard intervened, bringing the situation under control. My colleagues rushed to assist, and we successfully transported the patient inside. Law enforcement was notified, and a report was filed. Regrettably, this incident was not an isolated case; disturbances that endanger healthcare workers occur all too frequently in emergency settings.

At just 24 years old, I faced an assault from that distressed driver—an experience that remains the most frightening of my nursing career. Yet, my experience is merely one of countless accounts from nurses who regularly prioritize patient care over their own safety, all while adhering to our commitment to do no harm.

Throughout my two-decade nursing career, I have encountered various forms of violence, from being grabbed and shoved to enduring verbal assaults from patients and their families. I have been stalked by angry relatives after my shifts and have lost count of the number of times I called security to manage agitated patients. Once, I was even overpowered by a confused individual after administering an injection, leading to an accidental needlestick. Thankfully, I recovered physically, but the anxiety over potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens lingered for months (though post-exposure prophylaxis can significantly mitigate these risks).

These accounts are not uncommon. If you ask any nurse about the “hidden reality of nursing” and the prevalence of workplace violence, you will hear harrowing tales of aggression occurring daily in hospitals across the U.S. While most nurses strive not to let the fear of violence dictate their careers, it remains a constant consideration during every shift. We are extensively trained to protect ourselves, our patients, and our colleagues in violent circumstances. However, hospital administrators are not legally obligated to implement protective measures for healthcare staff, resulting in significant discrepancies in policies across institutions.

Though 33 states have enacted laws imposing penalties for assaults on healthcare workers, these laws differ significantly from one state to another and often only apply to emergency or mental health professionals. It is imperative that we take further actions to safeguard all healthcare workers from the tangible threats of violence within medical environments.

A vital strategy in combating workplace violence lies with patients and their families. If you witness a nurse being assaulted or verbally mistreated, please call security. Speak out and alert other staff members. Advocate for local legislative measures that protect community healthcare workers. By doing so, you not only contribute to the safety of nurses but also ensure a more secure environment for yourself and your loved ones when seeking medical care.

When discussing healthcare experiences with friends, remind them that verbally or physically assaulting healthcare professionals is unacceptable. We are committed to our roles and should not have to navigate violence while performing our duties.

In summary, the safety of healthcare workers must be prioritized through comprehensive policies, community support, and active engagement in legislative advocacy. Each of us plays a crucial role in creating a safe medical environment for both providers and patients alike.

For further insights on at-home insemination, check out the resources provided by Make a Mom, which offers the only reusable option for at-home insemination, as well as how it works to guide you through the process. Additionally, if you are considering a DIY approach, look into the Baby Maker Kit for effective tools. For those interested in pregnancy resources, visit WHO’s pregnancy page for valuable information.