AACN is taking action for nurses' well-being on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to prevent workplace violence and support nurses' mental health. This Nurses Day of Action, established by the American Nurses Association (ANA), will build momentum and support for two vital bills to help prevent workplace violence and expand mental health resources for nurses. These bills are the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (S.1232; H.R.2531) and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (S.266; H.R. 929), respectively.
Nurses and other healthcare workers face violence on the job at greater rates than many other professions. If passed, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act would address the realities of workplace violence in healthcare settings and direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to announce enforceable safety standards. AACN has signed letters of support for this act with other organizations through the Nursing Community Coalition, most recently in June 2025.
The Lorna Breen Act was first passed in 2022. This law led to the development of suicide prevention resources, training for healthcare workers and students on suicide and burnout prevention strategies, and a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders. In March 2025, AACN was one of 67 organizations to show continued support for the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, which will extend these critical mental health services.
"Too many nurses are impacted by workplace violence and mental health issues, and many are suffering in silence," said Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, president of the AACN Board of Directors. "AACN is honored to join ANA and others in this movement and use our voice to advance these critical pieces of legislation."
Join AACN in sharing your voice and amplifying nurses' impact during the 2025 Nurses Day of Action.
AACN proudly continues advocacy to support initiatives in these areas:
- Establishing and sustaining healthy work environments
- Eliminating workplace violence
- Supporting appropriate staffing
- Strengthening the nursing workforce
- Advancing evidence-based practice
- Elevating the nursing profession
- Advocating for advanced practice
For more information on how AACN advocates for nurses, visit AACN's Policy & Advocacy page.