Late last week, the Chicago Tribune reported about the housing of mentally ill criminals in nursing homes and the resulting violence against vulnerable older residents. The Tribune alleges that it has documented instances in which nursing homes failed to report attacks to the state health department, which is required by law. The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses states that the nurse's primary commitment is to the "health, well-being, and safety of the patient" and that we must take "appropriate action regarding any instances when the rights or best interest of the patient are in jeopardy."

What would you do if you worked in one of these facilities?

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