Partnering with our Patients and Preventing Workplace Violence

This is a two-part, in-person CE Class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 hours of CE credits). If you’re a UC nurse, an extra hour will be available from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants must be in attendance all day to receive the full 6 CEU CE credits, even if they have taken one of the classes prior to the sign-up date.

Part 1 — Partnering with Our Patients: Nurses, Worker Power, and Health Justice

We know there is a strong correlation between unionization and improved health outcomes for workers. For nurses, this connection can also positively impact their patients. This course will analyze how union nurses have partnered with patients to respond to a radically changing health care system and economy. We will examine the growth of RNs’ collective power through decades of organizing and how these struggles have improved the health and welfare of nurses, patients, and communities across the country. We will also look at the broader history of unions in the U.S., examine current debates about the future of workers and unions, and identify reforms that would further empower nurses in the fight for workplace health and safety, high-quality patient care, and health justice in our communities.

Part 2 — Preventing Workplace Violence to Protect Nurses and Our Patients

Workplace violence rates in health care have accelerated significantly since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, on top of steep increases seen over the past decade. Nurses experience significant impacts from workplace violence, including physical and psychological injuries, stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is no surprise that workplace violence is implicated in high rates of turnover and nurses’ decisions to leave the profession.

This class will examine the issue of workplace violence and how it arises in health care settings. We will explore contributing factors and reasons for the recent acceleration in rates. Then, we will investigate workplace violence prevention measures by examining data and experiences on effectiveness. The class will conclude with a discussion about the strategies that nurses can employ to prevent workplace violence and to advocate for safer patient care in their facilities.