Assault Charge Process

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2017

I am a student who was in the mental health unit and was hit extremely hard in the upper back/neck by a psychotic patient who was supposedly stable. Has anyone pressed charges in a situation like this? I am still in school, and taking this on would be extremely stressful. However, if it would keep him locked up longer, get him more help, or stopping this from happening to someone else, I will do it. I'm just wondering how long/trying this process would be.

Did this happen during clinical? If so, you need to talk to your school. Other than that I can't help

JB2012 · Sep 19, 2017

Yes it did. I did talk to my school, my insturctor was on site. But they are still giving me the option to press charges against this patient.

Sour Lemon · Sep 19, 2017

I am a student who was in the mental health unit and was hit extremely hard in the upper back/neck by a psychotic patient who was supposedly stable. Has anyone pressed charges in a situation like this? I am still in school, and taking this on would be extremely stressful. However, if it would keep him locked up longer, get him more help, or stopping this from happening to someone else, I will do it. I'm just wondering how long/trying this process would be.

That sounds terrifying and I'm sorry that it happened to you. I think your questions are more "legal" than "nursing", though. I'm not sure you'll find much guidance on this site.

brownbook · Sep 19, 2017

I would hate to see you tied up in some police/legal investigation while you are trying to get through nursing school.

Were staff on the unit aware of the incident? I hate to assume things, but I assume the nurses, charge nurse, and the psychiatrist would handle the patient's level of care, med adjustment, when and where he is to be discharged, etc. appropriately in relation to this incident.

Is there some way you can talk to the charge nurse on the unit, or nursing supervisor, or even the patient's psychiatrist to allay your concerns?

Davey Do · Sep 19, 2017

Has anyone pressed charges in a situation like this?

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice, it is merely the way in which I handled some situations.

In all my years as a Psych Nurse, I 've never pressed charges against a psychotic Patient and I've been attacked numerous times. It comes with the territory. It's a symptom of mental illness and I accept that it's probably going to happen now and again.

It is a terrible thing you had to experience this, JB2012, but try not to take it personally. About 20 years ago, a psychotic Patient who I loved stabbed me. He was delusional, believed we were actors in a movie,and the Director of the movie told him he had to stab me. Although it was a terrible time for me, I benefitted from the experience, in the long run.

Now, a Patient attacked me about a year ago, it was totally behavior, and I pressed charges. If nothing else, the incident went on the individual's record and drove a single nail into his coffin.

A Female Nurse experienced a similar situation a couple of years ago and the Police were waiting for the Patient at the door when he was discharged. The Patient had a history of such behavior and that Nurse drove another nail into his coffin.

Take care, JB2012. Do what you need to do to deal with this.

The best to you!