If we survey the work conditions of other public servants that face regular threat of violence as an occupational hazard we see significant structural support, resources, and authority granted to them to mitigate the risks involved.

Fireman do not set foot on a scene if that scene involves threat of physical violence. They wait until the police arrive to remove the threat, then the Fireman move in. Police officers do not arrive on scene alone, and regardless of what you believe about use of force laws, law enforcement officers are given a wide variety of tools, training and authority to maintain safety. A growing number of law enforcement departments are implementing a special mental health unit to support deescalation.

Nurses are given none of these supports, granted none of this authority, offered none of these resources. Yet we are asked to step onto a scene involving threat of violence, with ineffective means to mitigate risk. If this is a known issue, as the statement issued by Legacy suggests, “… this unfortunately is not a new trend…” then its unconscionable that it hasn’t been adequately addressed.