(NBNU flags-TDCB)
Around 40 members of the New Brunswick Nurses Union gathered outside the Moncton courthouse, to raise awareness of violence in the workplace.
This as, a 69-year-old man accused of assaulting a nurse at Georges-Dumont Hospital in March, made a court appearance.
NBNU President Paula Doucet says a Canada wide survey done in 2017, found that 61 per cent of nurses reported abuse, harassment or assault on the job during a one year period.
(NBNU President Paula Doucet-TDCB)
“Nurses are more susceptible to violence in the workplace than other types of workers who directly work with the public. They have had enough of being assaulted, abused, hit scratched and spat on. Enough is enough!” Doucet emphasized.
She adds violence is not part of the job, and employers need to do the right thing by providing a safe and secure work environments…
“We don’t have that in all of our facilities across the province whether it be in hospitals or long term care. Knowing that you are going to work and having those protocols and those measures in place in case something does happen, knowing you have something to turn to, that is lacking right now,” Doucet says.
She adds nurses are there to be caregivers and provide help heal the sick, and no nurse deserves to be assaulted when they goes to work.
“We need all instances of abuse and harassment reported, whether it be verbal, physical or emotional. We can only put an end to this by working together.”
Meantime, 69-year-old Bruce Randolph “Randy” Van Horlick of Acadieville has been charged with assault causing bodily harm.
He asked the court for time to apply for legal aid and the case was adjourned until July 16th.
In March, RCMP arrested a man after a nurse at the Dumont Hospital was assaulted and needed medical treatment.
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