Nurses seek stronger protection from workplace violence as new year begins

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) is welcoming 2026 with renewed calls for stronger safeguards and improved working conditions for nurses, warning that violence against healthcare workers remains one of the most critical challenges facing the profession.

In a statement to Barbados TODAY, BNA President Dr Fay Parris praised nurses for their resilience and commitment, describing them as “the heartbeat of our healthcare system”.

“As Barbados welcomes 2026, the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) extends warm greetings and heartfelt thanks to nurses across the nation, who remain the heartbeat of our healthcare system,” Dr Parris said. “Reflecting on the past year, the Association celebrates significant progress while acknowledging the challenges that continue to demand collective resolve.”

Among the major achievements of 2025, the BNA highlighted the ratification of International Labour Organisation Convention 149, which formally recognises the rights and protections of nursing personnel. The move represented a major step forward in advancing professional standards and working conditions for nurses across the island, Dr Parris said.

The approval of the Public Officers Loan and Travelling Allowances Act for nurses was also cited as a milestone, ensuring greater equity in allowances across the profession.

Additionally, improvements to environmental safety in healthcare institutions were welcomed as creating safer spaces for both nurses and patients.

But the BNA leader acknowledged that several long-standing challenges continue to affect nurses’ wellbeing and morale.“The lengthy time it is taking to approve logistics for the sabbatical policy continues to frustrate nurses,” she said.

Transport for night and evening shifts remains unresolved, while staffing shortages across institutions have increased reliance on flexi-time, contributing to burnout.

Of growing concern, Dr Parris said, was the issue of violence against healthcare workers and a lack of other protections.

She stressed this is an area the association would seek to work diligently on in 2026.“The BNA has pledged to continue advocating for safe, supportive workplaces and timely resolution of employment matters,” she said. “The association will press for transportation solutions that safeguard nurses working late shifts and champion legal reforms to protect healthcare workers from violence.

Mentorship, wellness, and professional development will be strengthened to ensure every nurse feels supported and valued.”

She added: “The BNA will also work to expand insurance options for nurses, particularly as they relate to injury and health, modernise its operations to better serve members, and enhance youth engagement and mentorship. Greater presence on boards and decision-making bodies will amplify the voice of nurses in national policy, while efforts to grow membership will unify the nursing fraternity under a collective purpose.”

Looking ahead, the BNA has committed itself to sustained advocacy for nurses in 2026, with a strong focus on safe working environments, timely resolution of employment matters, and improved transport arrangements for nurses on late shifts.

The association also plans to expand mentorship, wellness programmes, and professional development opportunities, while modernising its operations to better serve members.

Efforts will also continue to strengthen youth engagement, expand insurance coverage for nurses, and increase representation on national boards and decision-making bodies to ensure the profession’s voice is heard at policy level.

“As the new year begins, the Barbados Nurses Association calls on all nurses to stand together in unity of purpose,” Dr Parris said. “The challenges are real, but so too is the strength of the profession when acting collectively.”

(SB)