In a recent survey – The State of Workplace Violence in Health Care in 2025-26 – nearly 85% of nurses experienced at least one type of workplace violence in the past year. And over 70% were physically assaulted (e.g., being pinched, slapped, punched, kicked, and having objects thrown at them).

The result? A majority (63.1%) reported anxiety, fear, or increased vigilance due to workplace violence. And over a quarter considered leaving the profession as a result – with 23% reporting they have difficulty working in similar environments, 19% saying they took time off of work, and 12% admitting the psychological effects of the violence prevented them from working.

The perspectives of these health care workers illustrate…