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2024-2025
TNA Position Statement: Access to In Vitro Fertilization The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) supports individuals seeking to start a family and having access to in vitro fertilization treatment. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often the treatment used for couples struggling with fertility issues. According to the Fertility Foundation of Texas, one in eight childbearing couples experience infertility. Infertility is a disease that can affect either the male or female reproductive system and is characterized by the inability to become pregnant after attempting traditional methods for 12 months (World Health Organization, 2024).
AI and Its Impact on Texas Nurses Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative, disruptive digital health technology in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Essentially, AI is a computer program that simulates human intelligence: our speech, voice, music, artwork, writing, and much more. This machine intelligence can analyze data, perform surgeries, read radiology films, identify deterioration indices in patient care, and be used to reduce nursing burden (Pruinelli & Michalowski, 2021; Rezaeikhonakdar et al., 2024; Texas BON, 2024).
Addressing Assault of Healthcare Workers with Bodily Fluids A 2021 survey by the ANA revealed that over 30% of nurses had experience of workplace violence that included body fluids. Similarly, we hear the personal stories of nurses working in acute care settings include being subjected to saliva, and other bodily fluids as they provide patient care during stressful situations. This not only puts the nurses at risk for exposure to infectious diseases, but it also significantly impacts their psychological and emotional wellbeing. At a time when Texas is experiencing a high nurse turnover, these negative experiences further compound the problem.
Mandatory Reporting and Antiretaliation Protection On December 22, 2023, the Supreme Court of Texas decided Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital v. Thompson. The case involved a nurse who reported suspected abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) and was terminated by her employer for doing so. The court ruled in favor of the employer determining that Section 261.110(b) of the Texas Family Code imposed a but-for causation standard and that the employer would have terminated the nurse when it did even if she had not reported her concerns to CPS.
Anti-Harassment Protections for Nurses Healthcare workers face a significant amount of workplace violence and hostility, which sometimes follows them home when disgruntled patients, patient family members, or others stalk the healthcare worker, harass, or target them at their home address. Members of the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) consistently express concern over workplace violence.
2022-2023
2020-2021
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