Immigrant Justice, Global Migration, and Public Health & Increasing Danger of Workplace Violence in Health Care

This is a two-part, in-person CE Class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 hours of CE credits). An extra credit hour will be available for University of California nurses from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This course will examine how nurses as patient advocates can continue to defend their patients against increased attacks on refugee and immigrant communities within and beyond our hospitals. We will investigate the causes and consequences of this moment by looking at the connections between global migration and international crises including climate change and structural violence. We will then examine immigration as a social determinant of health that affects the lives of immigrant and refugee communities as well as public health overall. This course will conclude by exploring how nurses and worker-led movements can protect immigrant and refugee patients and communities and advance health and social justice. Nurses are guardians of the public’s health. As patient advocates, nurses protect and foster every patient’s health and healing, at the bedside and beyond - regardless of identity or status. Yet, health care employers continue to devalue the care work of this predominantly female workforce by not providing safe staffing and other protections necessary for a safe workplace. Indeed, violence against nurses has been longstanding and pervasive, but rates have recently accelerated. When nurses are at risk for workplace violence, patients are also at risk. This class will examine the prevalence and impact of workplace violence in health care, including new trends like current immigration policies and rhetoric that endanger both patients and nurses. We will articulate effective strategies that nurses can employ to hold health care employers accountable and advocate for workplace violence prevention and safer patient care conditions. Violence against nurses and patients is a threat to our communities. Hospitals and other health care settings should be centers of healing and a sanctuary where every patient feels safe seeking care. CE courses are free to National Nurses United members. If you’re interested in organizing a union at your facility, we can help.