To the editor:
Nurses save your life. Nurses save your grandmother’s life. They serve a vital function in society. Without nurses the majority of your loved ones that go to the hospital would die if it wasn’t for the watchful eye of a nurse. During the pandemic they were at the bedside battling an unknown illness knowing they may either contract it themselves, or worse, give it to their family at home. Yet, in Massachusetts, a person can walk into a hospital and can give her a strong right hook to the face breaking her nose and jaw, or can twist her arm so hard behind her back it tears all the ligaments and tendons in her shoulder requiring reconstructive surgery and only be charged with a misdemeanor. As a nurse you’re expected to accept this type of behavior as “part of the gig”.
Bill H2060 brought forward by State Rep. Xiarhos on Cape Cod hopes to provide stiffer penalties and deterrents to those that do by making it a felony to assault a nurse on the job. Nursing is a female dominated profession, by supporting this bill you are also protecting women and who wouldn’t be in favor of that? Everyone knows if you hit a cop you’re going to get locked up. It’s time for everyone to know that if you attack a nurse on the job you’re going to jail too. Contact your state reps and tell them to protect those that will protect you, who knows, you may require their services one day.
Brandon Higgins
Lynn
