5 Ways Nurses Can Advocate for Workplace Safety Right Now
Workplace violence in healthcare isn't a distant threat—it's a reality nurses face every single day. With rising incidents and increasing severity, nurses must proactively advocate for their own safety. Here’s exactly how you can start today:
1. Report Every Incident (Yes, Every Incident)
Even minor incidents matter. Reporting creates essential data that demonstrates the reality of workplace violence, helping to secure resources, shape policies, and validate nurses' experiences. Make detailed notes—your safety and your colleagues' depend on it.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall incidents where I chose not to formally report, opting instead to inform my manager informally. I deeply regret not officially documenting those incidents, as they could have helped highlight the difficulty and risks inherent in our jobs. Formal reporting ensures that change can be implemented, and our experiences are validated—something I wish I'd realized sooner.
2. Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power. Learn to recognize early signs of escalation, like increased agitation, pacing, yelling, verbal threats, or erratic behavior. Equally important is understanding your rights: know your facility's workplace violence policies, how to report incidents accurately, and your rights under OSHA regulations. Familiarize yourself with local laws—understand when workplace violence is considered a felony and how to file a police report effectively. Stay informed about local badge laws and hospital security requirements. Consider enrolling in self-defense classes specifically designed for nurses; local hospitals, community centers, or professional nursing associations often offer these resources.
Additional Reliable Resources:
Easily contact your legislators directly through the American Nurses Association’s advocacy tool: ANA Advocacy Portal
3. Engage with Management
Approach your leadership with documented incidents and specific proposals. Ask for what you need: increased security, staff training, safety infrastructure, or pilot tools like Code Violet (currently in development). Speak clearly and persistently — change shows up when leaders see urgency + data.
4. Use Your Voice on Social Media
Share your experiences (within patient confidentiality) through nursing networks, articles, or social media. Use hashtags like #NurseSafetyNow, #EndWorkplaceViolence, #CodeViolet to unify the narrative. Amplify your voice and connect with others holding space for change.
5. Support Legislative Advocacy
Advocating for protective laws is crucial for systemic and lasting change. At the state level, engage actively with your state nurses' association or nursing union, which can amplify your voice and provide valuable resources. Stay informed about pending workplace safety legislation and actively support these initiatives. Writing directly to your legislators is a powerful step—your experiences and insights can significantly influence policy decisions. Use the provided sample letter below as a guideline to effectively communicate with policymakers:
Sample Advocacy Letter to Legislators:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
The Honorable [Legislator’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
As a dedicated nurse serving our community, I'm deeply concerned by the growing epidemic of workplace violence facing healthcare workers. Nurses like me are routinely subjected to verbal threats, physical assaults, and psychological trauma, significantly impacting our ability to provide safe, quality care.
I'm writing to urge your support for legislation that mandates clear, enforceable safety standards for healthcare facilities, providing essential protection for nurses and healthcare workers. Comprehensive workplace violence prevention measures are vital to ensuring nurses can safely care for patients without fear of violence.
Healthcare workers deserve to feel safe and protected while performing our essential duties. Please support legislation that ensures safety and dignity for nurses nationwide.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, RN]
[Your Workplace]
[Your City, State]
Take Action Now
Your experiences matter — your safety matters. Document incidents, speak out, push for change.
If you believe in safer nursing environments, become part of the Code Violet movement. Together, we can shift how nursing safety is handled — from heroic siloes to structured systems of justice and protection.
Written by Cassandra Esposito, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — founder of Code Violet and practicing nurse practitioner.
