Emergency room nurse Crystal Dhooghe spoke at a rally in Lansing, Michigan, during a strike at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Since September 1, 2025, hundreds of unionized employees have protested against workplace violence and other issues. Dhooghe, like many of her colleagues, faces regular threats and assaults while working in the ER.
Workplace violence in healthcare has sparked strikes across the U.S., including states like Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Michigan. Workers demand better safety measures and compensation. Despite the risks, Dhooghe remains in the industry, stating that violence is prevalent in many hospitals.
Henry Ford spokesperson Dana Jay acknowledged the national problem and highlighted the health system’s actions, such as employing armed security and providing de-escalation training. However, Jay claims the strike focuses more on economic issues. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that hospital workers face a considerably higher risk of injury from violence compared to other working populations.
Understaffing and ER Turmoil
Violence in emergency rooms has gained attention, even appearing in media portrayals like the TV series The Pitt. Rachel Odes from the University of Wisconsin-Madison explained that understaffing and inadequate training contribute significantly to the risk of violence. Such chaotic environments can lead to spontaneous violent incidents, often requiring immediate responses.
At Butler Hospital in Providence, R.I., mental health worker Andrew Kimball-Mirzaie experienced violence firsthand in early 2024. An attack by a patient left him with injuries and led to a strike by over 700 workers, demanding improved wages and staff support. This strike led to success, securing wage increases and financial support for injured workers.
Legislative and Organizational Responses
The American Hospital Association supports legislative measures to penalize violence, advocating for federal laws making assaults against healthcare workers a criminal offense. Many states, including Michigan and Rhode Island, have enacted similar laws. However, workplace safety experts see no evidence these laws effectively reduce violence rates.
Healthcare workers strive for “safe staffing” rather than stricter penalties. The Joint Commission now mandates proper staffing to ensure safe care delivery. Despite efforts, no federal law regulates nurse-to-patient ratios. Initiatives by states like California have shown improved patient outcomes and staff retention.
Opponents argue that mandatory staffing ratios may hinder clinical flexibility and exacerbate staffing shortages. Debates continue as hospitals navigate financial constraints that could impact worker protection efforts. Experts suggest employing comprehensive strategies, including staff training and using specialized security personnel, to address violence.