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Recommended Citation
Morby S, Gilmore S. Advocate Nurses Collaborate for Stronger Legal Shields Against Workplace Violence. Professional Development podium presentation at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Professional Development podium presentation at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background/Introduction
Healthcare workers (HCW) face disproportionately high rates of workplace violence (WPV) and are five times more likely to be injured than other types of workers (Lim et al., 2022). HCWs account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018 (OSHA, 2020). National studies show that 12% of nurses planning to leave the profession in the next 5 years cite WPV as the reason (Smiley et al., 2025). Despite implementation of security measures, WPV continues to escalate, contributing to burnout and workforce attrition (The Joint Commission, 2018).
Purpose or Objective
This initiative aimed to expand legal protections for all healthcare workers in Illinois by advocating for legislation that classifies assault against any healthcare worker—not only nurses—as a felony.
Method or Evaluation
A collaborative effort was led by the Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Sherman and the Director of Teammate Health for the IL & WI Division. The team partnered with the Kane County State’s Attorney to draft bipartisan legislation. Activities included a review of laws from other states, a literature review on WPV, and coalition building with other hospital CNOs and the Illinois Hospital Association.
Results or Findings
The proposed bill introduces a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting or intimidating hospital personnel while performing their duties. This initiative marks a significant step toward equitable legal protections for healthcare workers and reflects a proactive, nurse-led approach to workforce safety (Algunmeeyn et al., 2022).
Conclusions/Implications for Practice
This project highlights the vital role of nursing leadership in policy advocacy and demonstrates how nurses can drive legislative change. Legal protection is a crucial strategy to support workforce safety, reduce burnout, and retain staff. This initiative is sustainable and scalable, with potential to serve as a model for other states seeking to safeguard healthcare workers through law.
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Advocate Nurses Collaborate for Stronger Legal Shields Against Workplace Violence
Background/Introduction
Healthcare workers (HCW) face disproportionately high rates of workplace violence (WPV) and are five times more likely to be injured than other types of workers (Lim et al., 2022). HCWs account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018 (OSHA, 2020). National studies show that 12% of nurses planning to leave the profession in the next 5 years cite WPV as the reason (Smiley et al., 2025). Despite implementation of security measures, WPV continues to escalate, contributing to burnout and workforce attrition (The Joint Commission, 2018).
Purpose or Objective
This initiative aimed to expand legal protections for all healthcare workers in Illinois by advocating for legislation that classifies assault against any healthcare worker—not only nurses—as a felony.
Method or Evaluation
A collaborative effort was led by the Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Sherman and the Director of Teammate Health for the IL & WI Division. The team partnered with the Kane County State’s Attorney to draft bipartisan legislation. Activities included a review of laws from other states, a literature review on WPV, and coalition building with other hospital CNOs and the Illinois Hospital Association.
Results or Findings
The proposed bill introduces a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting or intimidating hospital personnel while performing their duties. This initiative marks a significant step toward equitable legal protections for healthcare workers and reflects a proactive, nurse-led approach to workforce safety (Algunmeeyn et al., 2022).
Conclusions/Implications for Practice
This project highlights the vital role of nursing leadership in policy advocacy and demonstrates how nurses can drive legislative change. Legal protection is a crucial strategy to support workforce safety, reduce burnout, and retain staff. This initiative is sustainable and scalable, with potential to serve as a model for other states seeking to safeguard healthcare workers through law.
Affiliations
Sherman Hospital