We were heartbroken to learn of the murder of a valued home-health nurse and WSNA member, Doug Brant, on Dec. 1. This is devastating to his family, his patients, his colleagues at Providence VNA, and to WSNA.

Doug was treasurer of WSNA at Providence VNA and was looking forward to advocating for nurses at WSNA’s annual Lobby Day.

While the circumstances of this tragedy are still being investigated, we know this murder took place while Doug was on the job. Workplace violence has become an all-too-familiar part of the job for nurses – and it shouldn’t be. In fact, workplace violence against nurses has risen during the pandemic. We hear of nurses being punched, kicked, scratched on a too regular basis, but a killing is rare and horrific.

Our thoughts are with Doug’s family and colleagues as they absorb the violent loss of a co-worker and friend.