what is a Protest of Assignment (poa)?

A Protest of Assignment (POA) is a written document notifying the employer and union that a nursing assignment is unsafe. As nurses, we would never turn down an assignment. But as patient advocates, it is our duty to do everything in our power to correct unsafe situations. Filling out a Protest of Assignment can help protect you from malpractice or discipline in the event of an adverse incident. But the most important reason to fill out a POA is to advocate for a change in conditions so our patients get better care.