Nurses in Arkansas have recently reported an increase in violence within the workplace causing further steps needing to be taken. 

“A recent survey revealed that 40% of nurses report physical violence from patients, while 63% report verbal abuse,” Arkansas KATV said. 

“UAMS has formed a dedicated team led by registered nurse Leanne Danner to tackle workplace violence. The team is available seven days a week, providing support and education on prevention,” Arkansas KATV said. 

University of Arkansas Medical Sciences’ website to help with this increasingly dangerous issue has contact information for BERT (Behavioral Emergency Response Team) emergencies, non-emergencies, as well as a contact for training on how to deal with aggressive behavior. 

In an online post, Danner said, “Our Workplace Violence Prevention and BERT Team — five registered nurses strong — is leading initiatives to protect not only our patients but also our staff across the organization. Healthcare safety takes all of us working together, and we’re honored to be part of the movement to create safer environments for those who care for others.”

As of August of this year, a recent law in Arkansas criminalizes aggravated assault against healthcare workers.

This law focuses on behavior that can cause an employee to come into contact with bodily fluids like blood, saliva or urine that could potentially cause an infection.

Additionally, if the person demonstrates clear disregard for the healthcare worker’s safety. 

This Class D felony expands past the normal definition of a “healthcare worker” and reaches the range of support staff in addition to medical professionals. 

Some employees have spoken out about their stories and experiences during situations like this. 

An anonymous source told Arkansas KATV, “My head was slammed into a table, into a door. My head was shook back and forth. My cornea was torn. I was thrown on the floor, just dragged, dragged around until they could finally pull her, pull her off of me.”

These issues create emotional, physical and mental issues for employees that are trying to help those in need.

These struggles have been an issue for nurses for years but when organizations and the state as a whole take steps towards the right direction then workers might finally see a positive shift. 

Many Arkansas nurses feel as though there is still more that needs to be done.

“I really hope to get in contact with the Arkansas lawmakers and see if we can get stronger laws passed so nurses can be better protected,” the anonymous nurse told Arkansas KATV. 

The Arkansas Emergency Nurses Association has recently released a new Action Alert in pursuit of making it a federal crime to assault hospital personnel when weapons, injury or public emergencies are involved. 

Those interested can use the link https://www.votervoice.net/ENA/Campaigns/130338/Respond to contact representatives and senators to gather support for healthcare workers and specifically nurses who are feeling targeted.