Stand Up for Safety: The Workplace Violence Awareness & Prevention Challenge

Nursing is grounded in care, compassion, and professionalism. Yet too many nurses encounter behaviors in the workplace that undermine safety and dignity, from subtle incivility and exclusion to bullying, intimidation, threats, and physical aggression. 
 

These experiences are not rare. They are often systemic, normalized, and left unaddressed. 
 

According to the American Nurses Association, workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening or disruptive behavior from any individual, including patients, family members, students, colleagues, or outside individuals. It encompasses verbal, physical, sexual, and psychological harm. 
 

Workplace violence is not limited to physical assault. Verbal abuse, bullying, harassment, and incivility can be equally damaging. Over time, these behaviors erode trust, increase stress, contribute to burnout, drive turnover, and compromise patient care. 
 

Addressing workplace violence is central to the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation® Safety domain, which focuses on fostering environments where nurses feel protected, respected, and supported physically, psychologically, and professionally. Safety is not optional. It is foundational to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. 
 

The ANA Position Statement on Workplace Violence affirms that incivility, bullying, and violence are unacceptable in any healthcare setting and outlines clear recommendations for both nurses and employers. We encourage you to download and review the full Position Statement for additional guidance and resources. 
 

This ten-day challenge is designed to help you: 
 

• Recognize workplace violence in all its forms 
• Examine how culture, systems, and leadership influence safety 
• Build confidence in prevention, response, and reporting 
• Strengthen boundaries, allyship, and shared accountability 

Each day offers one focused, practical action rooted in real nursing experiences. Through awareness, reflection, and small intentional steps, we can shift culture and stand up for safety together. Let’s get started! Click "Yes," under "Ready to Join?" to sign up today!

This challenge begins on April 6, 2026.