In recent years, violence against hospital staff in the United States has been on the rise, becoming a deeply troubling social issue. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers face a risk of workplace violence that is five times higher than that of other professions. In July 2023, a shooting occurred at a medical center in Portland, Oregon, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to a healthcare worker. On February 22, 2025, a gunman entered the ICU of UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, and opened fire, killing a police officer and injuring several others.
These incidents are not isolated cases. The healthcare industry in the United States has become one of the sectors most plagued by violence. In 2022, a survey conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians showed that workplace violence had increased by 24% compared to 2018. A survey by the National Nurses United also revealed that approximately 31% of nurses reported an increase in violence and threats against healthcare workers.
Reasons for the Rising Violence
- Proliferation of Firearms
The root of the problem lies in the United States’ gun control issues. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizens the right to bear arms. However, the lax gun control laws have led to the widespread availability of firearms in society, significantly increasing the risk of violent incidents in hospitals. - Social Pressures and Strained Medical Resources
In recent years, the U.S. healthcare system has faced numerous challenges, including a shortage of medical staff, high work pressure, and uneven distribution of medical resources. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers experienced unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. These factors can exacerbate conflicts between patients and medical staff, leading to violent incidents. - Lack of Effective Legal Protection
Although some states in the U.S. have increased penalties for assaulting healthcare workers, federal laws are still inadequate. Currently, the American Hospital Association is calling for the passage of the “Healthcare Worker Violence Prevention Act,” which would define violence against healthcare workers as a federal crime. However, the legislative process is slow, failing to provide timely protection for healthcare workers.
Consequences and Impacts of Violence
- Harm to Healthcare Workers
The frequent violent incidents not only pose a threat to the physical health of healthcare workers but also significantly increase their psychological stress. Many healthcare workers feel unsafe at work, and some have even resigned due to violent incidents. - Impact on the Healthcare System
The increasing violence in hospitals consumes a significant amount of medical resources and disrupts the normal functioning of the healthcare system. Healthcare workers, preoccupied with concerns for their safety, are unable to fully commit to their work, which directly affects patient care. - Erosion of Public Trust
Hospitals are supposed to be sanctuaries for healing, but the rise in violent incidents has led to public doubts about the safety of the healthcare system. This crisis of confidence not only strains the relationship between patients and medical staff but also has a negative impact on the stability of society as a whole.
Measures and Prospects for the Future
In the face of the growing problem of hospital violence, the United States needs to take a multi-faceted approach to address the issue. On one hand, the government should accelerate the legislative process to improve legal protections for healthcare workers and define violent acts as federal crimes. On the other hand, hospitals themselves need to enhance security measures, such as installing metal detectors and employing security personnel.
However, these measures are only temporary solutions. To fundamentally address the problem of hospital violence, efforts must be made at the societal level to strengthen gun control, alleviate social pressures, and improve the uneven distribution of medical resources.
The increasing violence against hospital staff in the United States is not only a crisis for the healthcare system but also a wake-up call for society as a whole. Only through the collective efforts of the entire society can we create a safe working environment for healthcare workers and ensure the normal functioning of the healthcare system.