Nurses Association supports Northern Westchester nurses

LATHAM, Feb. 28, 2012 – For years, the New York State Nurses Association has been a leading voice on the issue of workplace violence against nurses.

The association believes nurses need and deserve to work in safe and healthy work environments so they can provide the best possible care to their patients.

Unfortunately, New York's nurses, no matter whether they work in an urban, suburban, or rural hospital, face difficult and often dangerous situations. The recent incident at Northern Westchester Hospital is just the latest in a series of events that illustrate this point.

Such incidents highlight the importance of the 2010 New York State Violence Against Nurses Law, which makes it a Class D felony to assault a nurse while on duty. The Nurses Association was a strong, consistent advocate for this law.

The law, which took effect Nov. 1, 2010, amends Subdivisions 3 and 11 of Section 120.05 of the New York State Penal Law by adding registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to the list of those professionals who are protected.

The Nurses Association supports these Northern Westchester nurses who were doing their best to protect the interests of an infant, appropriate with the hospital's protocols and their professional standards. Their diligence and attention to the needs of the patients should be praised.

The association calls on the Westchester County District Attorney to fully investigate this incident, press charges if appropriate and to work with NYSNA and other nursing organizations to ensure this law is enforced equitably throughout the nation.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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