Failure to Provide Safe Workplace for Nurses is Unacceptable

A recent news story regarding an altercation between healthcare professionals generated headlines in local media and renewed discussion of violence in healthcare facilities. 

On December 12, 2025, the Texas Medical Board entered a remedial plan with a physician who, according to the findings of the remedial plan, “acted unprofessionally when he mimicked strangulation by placing his hands around a staff person's neck during a heated conversation.” The Respondent did “not admit or deny the Findings and Conclusions of Law,” contained in the remedial plan.

The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) heard frustration among nurses about this case and, without commenting on the case specifically, TNA shares concern about lateral violence within the workplace.

Workplace violence is one of the top issues causing nurses to leave the workplace. Violence is directed at nurses by patients, family members, but also colleagues. Violence between colleagues comes with complex social and organizational dynamics, where perceptions of hierarchy and internal relationships may discourage nurses from reporting incidents of violence perpetrated by their colleagues.

State law prohibits retaliation against nurses who report violent incidents in good faith. It is imperative that healthcare organizations do not tolerate workplace violence in any form. When violence occurs between colleagues, it is important for healthcare organizations to meaningfully address these incidents.

Perceptions of organizational hierarchy are no excuse for inaction. We are equals in the eyes of the law and should be treated as such. No one is beneath or above their peers regardless of the license they hold or the role they serve within a healthcare organization.

The Texas Nurses Association calls for those in charge to dismantle the systemic acceptance of bad behavior in all forms of physical and verbal assault. Furthermore, when there has been a report of a violent or threatening act, administrators must move swiftly to investigate the situation and take appropriate action without hesitation, no matter who is involved.

For nurses who may think that their voices don’t matter, we are here to tell you that they do. No nurse should feel unsafe in any situation in the workplace.

For questions about nursing practice issues, call the TNA Practice Hotline: 1.800.862.2022, ext.132. TNA members can get help online with non-practice questions through the Member Helpline.