Winnipeg nurse calls for immediate change amid ‘unethical’ situation tied to escalating violence
The Manitoba Nurses Union president, Darlene Jackson, expressed her lack of surprise at another front-line health worker voicing concerns about the escalating violence in their workplace. In a letter addressed to Premier Wab Kinew, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, and others, a veteran nurse from the medicine unit at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg detailed the “unsafe and unacceptable conditions” nurses face daily. The letter, which made its way into the Manitoba Legislature, highlighted issues such as escalating violence in emergency rooms, inadequate security measures, and unsafe staff levels that put both staff and patients at risk.
The nurse, who has dedicated 34 years to the profession, expressed concern for their safety and their family’s well-being. They mentioned finding weapons such as crowbars, screwdrivers, and heavy chains with locks on their unit, in addition to verbal abuse from patients and visitors. Jackson stated that incidents like these are becoming more common across the province, with nurses reporting similar unsafe situations.
To address these security concerns, an AI weapon detection system was temporarily installed at the Health Sciences Centre entrance as a pilot project. Nurses reportedly felt safer with the detectors in place, leading to discussions about permanent installation at other health facilities. Jackson emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all health-care workers and patients, even if it means implementing security measures like weapons detectors at every entrance.
Despite potential negative perceptions, Jackson stressed the necessity of prioritizing safety in health-care facilities. She suggested expanding institutional safety officers and upgrading security cameras to improve overall security. Premier Kinew acknowledged the need for a safe work environment for nurses and patients during question period at the Legislature, highlighting the government’s efforts to address these concerns.
A spokesperson from Shared Health confirmed that security measures, including security guards and visitor screening, are in place at the unit mentioned in the letter. Plans are underway to permanently install weapon detection scanners and additional institutional safety officer positions. However, the nurse who wrote the letter expressed plans to leave the profession due to worsening work conditions, leaving their colleagues feeling exhausted and at risk.
Jackson emphasized the impact of continued violence on the nursing profession’s reputation and recruitment efforts. She highlighted the importance of speaking up about safety concerns to drive positive change in the healthcare system. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the need for all healthcare workers to advocate for a safer work environment to attract and retain staff in the future.
