11 Investigates: 93% of PA Healthcare Workers Fear Their Jobs

The Rising Crisis of Workplace Violence in Healthcare

Workplace violence is increasingly becoming a significant issue for healthcare workers across the United States. This growing concern has led many professionals to reconsider their careers, with some choosing to leave the field entirely or switch to different roles and environments that they perceive as safer.

An in-depth investigation by 11 Investigates revealed numerous incidents where healthcare workers have been subjected to attacks. These findings were supported by hundreds of accounts from workers who shared their experiences with violence, as well as discussions with lawmakers who are being urged to take more proactive steps in securing medical facilities and protecting employees.

A first-of-its-kind statewide survey has provided critical insights into the frequency of these attacks and the impact they have on the healthcare sector. The data highlights not only the risks faced by healthcare workers but also the potential dangers to patients. In several cases, patients have intervened to assist workers who were under attack.

Tammy May, president of the PASNAP Butler chapter and a nurse at Butler Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit, described the situation as "scary." Her experience reflects the growing fear among healthcare professionals about their safety while on the job.

Several high-profile incidents have drawn public attention this year. In April, a man in State College attempted to rape two nurses at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Court documents detailed how he pulled one nurse by the hair and dragged her into his room, attempting to pull her pants down. Another nurse who tried to help was also attacked. Erica Cornell, a travel nurse who was working at the hospital at the time, expressed frustration that employees learned about the assaults through social media and news outlets rather than from their employer.

Other incidents remain less publicized. Donna Ruhl, a nurse, suffered a traumatic brain injury after being attacked by a patient. Months later, she continues to undergo treatment and rehabilitation, and she admits she is hesitant to return to a similar nursing role. “I don’t think I’ll ever be the same,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever trust a patient.”

In a tragic incident that made national headlines, a police officer died and several hospital employees were shot when a patient’s family member held employees hostage in the ICU at a York hospital. Annale Yobbi, a LifeFlight nurse with over 33 years of experience, described the event as a “gut punch.” She emphasized the importance of safety measures, such as weapons detection systems and de-escalation training, which her hospital has implemented.

A recent survey conducted by 11 Investigates gathered responses from over 500 healthcare workers across Pennsylvania. The participants included doctors, nurses, technicians, and aides, with 40% working in urban settings, 33% in suburban areas, and 27% in rural areas. The results were alarming: 89% of respondents reported experiencing physical violence by a patient, and 55% of those individuals were injured during the incidents.

Additionally, 93% of the surveyed workers felt afraid at work due to violence concerns "at least sometimes," with 18% reporting fear "most days" or "every day." The survey also found that 64% of healthcare workers had experienced at least one physically violent encounter within the last year.

May noted that workplace violence has been an ongoing issue for over three decades, but she believes the incidents are becoming more frequent and severe. She also pointed out that younger nurses are less tolerant of violence, leading to increased advocacy for better safety measures.

Frustration among healthcare workers has grown regarding how employers are addressing these concerns. Ninety-two percent of survey respondents indicated that their employers are not doing enough to prevent violence. In Butler, this frustration reached a breaking point, prompting the nurse’s union to stage an informational picket and authorize a strike focused on safety and security rather than wages.

The union's efforts led to commitments for additional metal detectors and guards in the emergency room. However, attacks in patient rooms continue, with nurses facing incidents such as being hit, pushed, spit on, or punched. In some cases, criminal charges have been filed.

Considering the severity of the issue, it's no surprise that 50% of the survey respondents said they have considered leaving healthcare due to violence. May acknowledged that while this number may seem high to the average person, it reflects the reality faced by healthcare workers daily.

Despite these challenges, all hospitals and hospital systems contacted for the investigation have stated that safety remains a top priority. None have agreed to an interview on the topic, highlighting the need for continued awareness and action to address the growing crisis of workplace violence in healthcare.