March 11, 2025

EP 92 National Nurses United Responds to Workplace Violence

56 minutes

In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica and Nurse Jessica Sites welcome Michelle Mahon, Director of Nursing Practice at the California Nurses Association and National Nurses United (NNU). They discuss the ongoing advocacy for federal nurse-patient staffing ratios and the pressing issue of workplace violence in nursing. Michelle responds to backlash from a recent interview given by NNU's Industrial Hygienist. The conversation highlights NNU's commitment to improving workplace safety and advocating for comprehensive healthcare solutions. In this conversation, Michelle Mahon discusses the importance of organizing, solidarity among nurses and the critical role of safe staffing in preventing such incidents. Michelle emphasizes the significance of collective action among nurses and the need for mental health support in the face of workplace challenges. The discussion also touches on the importance of Medicare for All in shifting the focus from profit to patient care, and the structure of the National Nurses United (NNU) and its affiliates in advocating for nurses' rights and healthcare justice.

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Chapters:

02:20 Introduction

03:21 Cocktail of the Week

04:17 Guest Introduction

05:05 Federal Nurse-Patient Ratios: Current Status

09:29 Industrial Hygienist Interview

23:37 Workplace Violence Correlates to Staffing Issues

25:57 Advice for Nurses in Fear of Workplace Violence

29:10 Channeling Pain into Action

32:44 Organizing for Change

34:58 Rank and File Members

36:39 Non-Union Nurses Can Get Involved

39:50 Local and National Actions

42:34 Understanding Medicare for All

47:28 Enema of the Week Award

49:56 The Structure of NNU and Its Affiliates

Sources:

National Nurses United:

https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/

Petition:

https://act.nnu.org/sign/wpv-petition-2025/

The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act S.B.1176, H.R. 2663:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2663

Industrial Hygienist Interview:

https://cbs12.com/news/local/nurse-attacked-by-patient-likely-to-lose-use-of-both-eyes-according-to-arrest-report-brutal-assault-on-nurse-at-loxahatchee-hospital-highlights-mental-health-care-challenges-palm-beach-county-sheriffs-office-south-florida-february-19-2025

Cocktail of the Week:

Castello Del Poggio Moscato

https://castellodelpoggio.com/wine/moscato/

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DISCLAIMER:

This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica, Nurse Jessica Sites or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.

The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Jessica Sites, Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Company. Accordingly, Nurse Erica, Nurse Jessica Sites and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions.

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By Nurse Erica and Nurse Jessica Sites

4.8

133133 ratings