FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026
(Columbus, OH)—Today, the Ohio Nurses Association released its 2026 Workforce Safety Report: Ohio’s Healthcare System in Crisis. The report summarizes data and findings from a statewide survey sent to all nurses and healthcare workers licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing and eight other state licensing agencies.
Among the findings:
- More than 68% of nurses and health professionals experienced workplace violence in the past year.
- More than 91% of direct-care professionals report working in conditions where staffing is not consistently safe.
- Less than 10% of direct-care professionals report that the unit they work on is always appropriately staffed.
- More than half of direct-care RNs and LPNs are considering leaving direct-care roles because of concerns about patient safety, staffing, and/or workplace violence.
- More than 90% of nurses and health professionals support state legislation to establish safe staffing standards.
“This survey reveals what Ohio’s nurses and health professionals already know: hospitals and other healthcare facilities across Ohio are prioritizing financial goals over patient safety and deliberately choosing to understaff direct patient care settings,” said ONA President Rick Lucas. “For the safety and wellbeing of Ohio patients, nurses, and health professionals, the Ohio legislature must establish minimum safe staffing standards and protect healthcare workers who report unsafe staffing conditions.”
The Ohio Nurses Association is Ohio’s professional union for nurses and health professionals, dedicated to uniting and empowering nurses and healthcare workers, championing their rights, promoting professional practice, and advocating for quality care for all patients in Ohio.
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