Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Workplace Safety for Health Care Professionals with AHA and AONL Executive Claire Zangerle

Workplace violence is never okay, and it’s an issue that is having an increasing impact on our field. Health care professionals are five times more likely to experience workplace violence — ranging from verbal aggression to physical attacks — than other workers. 

In this Leadership Dialogue, I’m joined by Claire Zangerle, chief executive officer of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and AHA senior vice president and chief nurse executive. Claire has served as chief nursing officer at large health systems and is a strong advocate for nurses and nurse leaders.

Claire and I discuss how hospitals and health systems can best support team member safety while also investing in and supporting their overall well-being. She highlights best practices, training and resources, including tools from the AHA and AONL, which can guide health care organizations in these efforts. We also talk about AHA’s work with legislators and health care organizations to advocate for legislation that would make it a federal crime to assault hospital workers, and how you can get involved in this effort. 

I hope you find our conversation insightful and strategic. Look for future conversations with health care, business and community leaders on making health better as part of the Chair File in 2025.