CT legislation to protect nurses from violent patients if passed [Video]

HARTFORD, Conn. — State lawmakers are focusing on legislation that supports health care workers’ safety as attacks while on the job are increasing.

Several nurses at Bristol Hospital said they’ve been assaulted numerous times at work and it makes them feel unsafe as they’re trying to care for patients. 

“From personal experience, I’ve been assaulted more in the past few years than I have in my 14-year career,” said Tiara Cheatham, assistant nurse manager for Bristol Hospital.  

Dozens of nurses nationwide are attacked by patients each day, according to the national nurse database Press Ganey, which shows it’s not a local problem.

“They come in the door and they think it’s OK to treat us with disrespect and de-value us,” said Nancy LaMonica, Vice President and chief nursing officer of Bristol Health. 

The legislation would establish a hospital …