The District of Columbia Nurses Association will demand that the DC City Council address safety concerns for nurses at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital during the Department of Behavioral Health Oversight Hearing at the DC Council today. Recently, a patient brutally attacked a nurse at St. Elizabeth’s, leaving her with fractured ribs, multiple bruises and two black eyes (photo). Numerous patient attacks and assaults against DCNA members have resulted in serious injuries the union says could have been prevented by proper safety measures. Many DCNA nurses worry they could be the next victim and might not make it home to their families. “No one should have to fear for their lives when going to work,” said Susan Nelson, Vice President of DCNA’s unit at the Department of Behavioral Health.