Cathy Kennedy, a President of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact of staffing cuts at Veterans Affairs hospitals, the urgent need for better legislation to prevent workplace violence and the push for Medicare for All.
Kennedy began by expressing her concern over proposed staffing cuts at VA hospitals, which could potentially affect up to 80,000 workers, many of whom are veterans themselves. She discussed the unique, holistic approach VA healthcare provides, including transportation services, caregiver support and family care. Kennedy warned that these cuts, coupled with attempts to privatize VA services, could severely impact the quality and accessibility of veteran care.
Kennedy continued by discussing the alarming rise in workplace violence against healthcare workers. Citing a February 2024 survey, Kennedy noted that 81.6 percent of nurses experienced workplace violence in the past year, with 45.5 percent reporting an increase in their units. She stressed the urgent need for the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which would create federal OSHA safety standards for healthcare settings.
Finally, Kennedy shared her thoughts on Medicare for All, arguing that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. She criticized the current profit-driven healthcare system, noting that despite being one of the world's richest countries, the U.S. ranks poorly in health outcomes. Kennedy discussed the growing public support for universal healthcare, driven by the recognition that current systems often force people to choose between medical care and basic necessities.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more from Kennedy on some of the issues facing the nursing industry.