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Nurses LPN/LVN

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I am so happy to have found this site. I am a nurse who was assaulted by a patient while at work. Within 10 minutes of the assault, I fell and fractured my patella. Needless to say, the focus went to the patella and the assault was ignored. I did not know that it would affect me for months and months. I was diagnosed with PTSD after utilizing my EAP program as instructed by employer. Now the facility is denying that the assault ever took place. I had to intervene because the patient that ended up assaulting me had pulled another patient from his bed and was strangling him with his bare hands. I dont know what to do. Every employee that was present that evening is no longer employed with the company. I reported it to the administrator, DON, HR, immediate super had to be called in on the night of the assault. I also told the hospital where I went for my patella fx, had them xray my ribs as well as my patella because he punched me numerous times in the ribs, back and head. Also kicked me and left bruises all over me. Will I ever get over this? I miss my job and my patients. This has taken a horrendous toll on my life. Any and all advice is appreciated.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome to Allnurses.com! We are glad that you joined our online community.

I have no advice because I have no firsthand experience on being battered by a patient. However, I wanted to express my support for your emotional recovery from these hellish events. It's a shame that nurses enter a battlefield and cannot always count on management's backing.

I wish you well in your journey toward psychological healing and wellness.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Other than a whack or two, that's all I've been lucky to have experienced. There's multiple issues in your post. From my perspective, it looks like your best bet might be to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. And I'm sure a lawyer will probably advise you NOT to talk about your situation, esp on social media.

My best wishes and support for your well-being.

JMHO

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Thanks to those who commented back.

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