Health Care/Social Assistance

Lowell, MA — More than 1 out of 5 home care aides are verbally abused, and workers who experience mistreatment are 11 times more likely to be physically assaulted, results of a recent study from the University of Massachusetts Lowell show.

Watertown, MA — More than two-thirds of U.S. physicians have experienced burnout, including nearly 4 out of 5 in primary care practices, results of a recent survey show.

Boston — Labeling cafeteria food with “healthy choice” indicators, along with placing healthier options more prominently, can positively influence long-term dietary changes among health care workers, say researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital.

San Antonio — Nearly 1 in 3 nurses may suffer from insomnia, while more than 1 in 8 admit to taking medications to help them stay awake, according to a recent study.

Washington — NIOSH is looking for inventors, researchers and respirator manufacturers to partner on a project intended to develop new designs for powered air-purifying respirators for health care workers.

Carson City, NV — Nevada has become the latest state to require hospitals and other health care facilities to create and implement workplace violence prevention programs and report incidents.

Washington — Legislation that would direct OSHA to issue a standard requiring employers in health care and social services industries to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans was voted out of the House Education and Labor Committee on June 11, and now advances to the full House.

Olympia, WA — A Washington state law slated to go into effect Jan. 1 requires nurses and other health care professionals at larger hospitals to receive uninterrupted meal and rest breaks.

Silver Spring, MD — The American Nurses Association, in partnership with the U.S. Public Health Service chief nurse officer and the University of North Carolina and University of Washington schools of nursing, has launched a campaign with initiatives that include addressing industry concerns such as workplace violence and safe and appropriate staffing levels.

East Lansing, MI – Nurses who get angry about what they perceive as an imbalance in support from co-workers may be at increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries, a recent study suggests.