EP 92 National Nurses United Responds to Workplace Violence

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. Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit: https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/ and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit https://happybumco.com/ and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle. Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to [e-mail] Help Us Keep This Podcast going and become an official Patron of Nurses Uncorked! Gain early access to episodes, patron only bonus episodes, giveaways and earn the title of becoming either a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard member for exclusive benefits! Benefits also include patron only Zoom parties, newsletters, shout-outs, and much more. https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast 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/ New episodes of Nurses Uncorked every Tuesday (Monday for patrons!). Help us grow by giving our episodes a download, follow, like the episodes and a 5 ️ star rating! Please follow Nurses Uncorked at! https://www.tiktok.com/@nurses.uncorked?_t=8drcDCUWGcN&_r=1 https://instagram.com/nursesuncorked?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094678265742&mibextid=LQQJ4d You can listen to our podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseericarn/feed. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-uncorked/id1698205714 https://spotify.link/8hkSKlKUaDb https://nursesuncorked.com 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...