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The Rising Tide of Violence Against Nurses: Recent Incidents and the Call for Action

Writer's picture: ITTC TeamITTC Team



Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are increasingly facing physical violence on the job, contributing to burnout, emotional trauma, and safety concerns. Here are some recent, real-world examples highlighting the risks faced by nurses and the need for improved protections.



1. Mission Hospital, North Carolina: Assaults on Nurses

Nurses at Mission Hospital in Asheville have reported numerous cases of physical violence, including being kicked, choked, and thrown against walls by patients. In 2023 alone, Asheville police were called 25 times to respond to incidents at the hospital. Staff expressed frustration with management’s slow response to implementing effective safety measures, and nurses described feeling emotionally traumatized, with some forced to return to the same units where they were assaulted. Nurses are now advocating for clearer policies and stronger security measures to protect staff from further harm​.

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2. Hit-and-Run at Penn Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia

In another alarming incident, three nurses at Penn Presbyterian Hospital were injured in a hit-and-run incident while trying to assist a gunshot victim. As the nurses rushed to extract the patient from a car outside the emergency department, the driver suddenly sped off, striking the nurses in the process. This incident has prompted calls for more comprehensive safety measures at healthcare facilities, with Penn officials reiterating the need for stronger policies to protect staff from rising violence in hospital settings​

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3. Brain-Dead Nurse After Assault in Andhra Pradesh, India

In a tragic case from India, a 25-year-old nurse named Madhira Sahana was declared brain-dead following an assault. The incident occurred during a personal altercation involving a loan dispute, where Sahana’s head was violently slammed, causing severe brain trauma. The perpetrator was later arrested, but the case highlights how nurses, even outside of work, are vulnerable to violent situations that can have devastating consequences​

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Conclusion: A Call for Change

These incidents are part of a growing trend of violence faced by healthcare workers across the globe. Nurses, often on the front lines of patient care, are at particular risk. Hospitals must continue to invest in de-escalation training, enhanced security protocols, and legal protections to ensure the safety of their staff. Additionally, policymakers must recognize the urgency of these challenges and push for stronger legislation to support healthcare workers.

Nurses cannot continue to bear these risks without adequate protection. As these stories show, ensuring safety in healthcare is not just a hospital issue—it’s a societal responsibility that requires collective action.

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