Queens RNs Unite, Create Safer Environment

When a Queens Hospital ED nurse was attacked by the patient in 2012, management tried to hide the problem. The Chief Nurse told her not to go to the police. By the time the NYPD got there, the assailant was gone, and it was too late to press charges.

After months of advocacy, QHC nurses have won a new 9-point action plan from hospital management and police to deal with assaults.

Under the plan, Hospital police are being re-deployed to the most high-risk areas, including a third post to be assigned in the Emergency Department during high volume times.

And Hospital Police will confer with administrators immediately after an assault to review if an arrest is warranted.

“Hospital police have needed a clear policy for a long time,” said Lindella Artman, RN, Chairperson of the NYSNA chapter at QHC.

“We’re taking down the barriers nurses face when they are assaulted. Now we have to make sure this policy is enforced.”