Registered nurses at the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), in Monterey, California will hold a rally on Monday, October 26 to highlight their patient safety concerns, including short-staffing and ongoing workplace violence issues.
Violence against nurses in hospitals has become an epidemic. A federal report found 21 percent of nurses report verbal abuse, physical assault, and even rape.
The tragic death of NNU member Cynthia Palomata, RN, in 2010—as a result of preventable workplace violence—was a galvanizing moment. With renewed urgency in the effort to protect registered nurses and healthcare workers, in 2014, NNU won comprehensive legislation in California, requiring all hospitals to have a workplace violence prevention plan.
