Dr. Stephen Jones: It’s time for us to step up for healthcare workers

J. Stephen Jones, MD, is President and CEO of Inova Health System

The Richmond Times-Dispatch has published an op-ed piece by Inova President and CEO J. Stephen Jones, MD, MBA, FACS, that articulates the issue of increasing physical and emotional violence directed at healthcare workers.

Jones describes several recent incidents at Inova, including a nurse being told by a patient that the patient only wanted to “be cared for by white nurses” and a different patient saying that an Inova team member should “Go back to your country.”

Jones states that these real experiences “are part of a disappointing and disturbing trend” that is not unique to Inova.

“If this continues,” says Jones, “who will be left to take care of us all?”

The piece also discusses the recent criminal conviction of Tennessee nurse RaDonda Vaught, whose mistake cost a patient her life. Jones argues that the threat of a criminal charge for a mistake made in the line of duty “sends a chilling message to those of us who care for patients” and will make it more difficult for healthcare workers to do their jobs because it puts their psychological safety at risk.

Read the article:

J. Stephen Jones column: Health care workers fought for us during the pandemic. Now it’s time to step up for them.

Inova Newsroom

Share
Published by
Inova Newsroom
Tags: careersinova

Recent Posts

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital earns Magnet with Distinction®, ANCC’s highest honor for Nursing Excellence

Also recognized for 9 “Exemplars” for top performance Leaders and team members celebrate Inova Mount…

1 week ago

Inova Schar Cancer expands access to comprehensive cancer care with opening of Woodbridge location

New Prince William County location offers medical oncology, hematology, breast surgery, infusion and Inova Peterson…

1 week ago

Breast cancer screening and detection: 5 frequently asked questions

Kathleen Harden, MD is a breast oncology physician, board-certified in medical oncology and internal medicine…

1 week ago

Dru’s story: mapping out a great life with pulmonary fibrosis

Dru Smith, an interstitial lung disease patient, shares his experience and care journey. Reston resident…

2 weeks ago

Inova Loudoun Hospital hosting Stop the Bleed™ workshops

Tuesday, Oct. 27 Leesburg, VA, — As part of the national Stop the Bleed® campaign,…

2 weeks ago

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital celebrates 50 years of caring for the community

Hospital opened in 1976 as a 76-bed community hospital and has grown into a regional…

3 weeks ago