HARRISBURG, Pa. – March 6, 2025 – Pennsylvania nurses are demanding stronger protections against workplace violence, saying it’s time to break the silence that puts their safety at risk.
The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), which represents 300,000 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses across the state, is pushing for legislation to address the issue. But the problem often doesn’t get public attention until something tragic happens—like the Feb. 22 shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, where a police officer was killed while protecting injured nurses and others.
According to the American Nurses Association, one in four nurses is physically assaulted on the job. But PSNA CEO Wayne Reich believes the real number is even higher since many incidents go unreported.
“Nurses have learned to normalize violence as being part of the job,” Reich said. “I’ve seen it myself, and I’ve heard it from members. That mindset is dangerous. It compromises not only nurse safety but also patient care.”
Reich, who worked as a bedside nurse for more than a decade before joining PSNA, says reporting the violence is often too complicated.
“Incidents can be brushed aside, especially when they don’t escalate to a level where police intervention is needed,” he said. “Worse, nurses can feel they’re to blame for actions of violence against them, particularly when asked what they, and not their employer, could have done differently.”
PSNA has been pushing for change, but legislation stalled in 2024. Now, the group is urging lawmakers to act.
“Enough is enough,” Reich said. “Patients deserve care from nurses who feel safe, respected, and valued.”
The proposed Healthcare Violence Prevention Act—introduced as House Bill 2247 by Rep. Leanne Krueger and Senate Bill 849 by Sen. John Kane—would require every healthcare facility to create a workplace violence prevention committee. These committees would assess risks, develop prevention plans, and ensure accountability, with at least half of the members being frontline healthcare workers.
The bill also aims to break the silence around workplace violence. Hospitals that don’t comply could face fines of up to $10,000, and nurses would be able to report violent incidents without fear of retaliation.
PSNA says it’s time for real action before another tragedy occurs.
