Assaulted by CNA, why do I feel guilty?

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Assaulted by CNA, why do I feel guilty?

I experienced an assault by a CNA, who pushed me. I asked the CNA to leave, but they refused. Feeling the need to escape, I called 911, and then the Director of Nursing (DON). The DON brought in staff to relieve me, which I was grateful for, as I was not in a state to practice, although I could have if necessary.

Despite being the one assaulted, I feel a sense of wrongdoing. The CNA had displayed unhealthy behaviors, including ignoring requests, sleeping, not answering call lights, and refusing to acknowledge me. I consistently tried to respond positively, but the CNA's behavior worsened. I was on the verge of approaching the DON about the situation when the assault occurred.

Lately, my relationship with the DON hasn't been ideal, particularly due to a denied vacation request. I had been told during hiring that I could have those specific weeks off. I'm struggling to understand why I feel guilty, as if I did something wrong.

I will be on vacation for another weekend and won't be able to track the progress of this situation. I'm looking for opinions on this matter.

 

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5 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It sounds frightening, and it's normal to feel unsettled after a violent situation.

You were assaulted, and you should not blame yourself for protecting yourself or for seeking help. Calling 911 and alerting the Director of Nursing was the right course of action.

The CNA's behavior appears to have been problematic well before the assault. Your calm, professional response shows you were trying to handle things thoughtfully.

The CNA is responsible for her actions. You did not provoke her, and even if you had, her behavior would still be her own responsibility.

Misplaced guilt is common when multiple stressors are present (e.g., a vacation request, tension with the DON). It's understandable to second-guess yourself or question your feelings under these circumstances.

If guilt is weighing on you:

  • Talk with a trusted colleague or a therapist to help process your emotions.
  • Document everything about the incident and your interactions with the CNA and DON. Keep a clear record in case the situation escalates or you need to explain it later.
    • Note concrete details: dates/times, what happened, who witnessed it, any injuries, and communications you've had.

Actionable Steps

  • Consider requesting a formal incident report or review meeting with HR or a union rep.
  • Request safety planning training (e.g., identifiable de-escalation strategies, leaving the area when unsafe, buddy system for shifts).
  • Give yourself space to rest and recharge. You deserve a vacation and grace as you recover.

When you're ready, you can approach the situation with a clear mind and advocate for your well-being.

Best wishes,
Nurse Beth

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

It may help you to know that feeling like you did something wrong is a common reaction to being assaulted. It may come from a need to feel like the world makes sense or that everything happens for a reason. It may be your brain trying to figure out how to keep it from happening again. 

If you get some justice in this situation, you may feel better. For example, if the CNA is fired, you may find that you stop feeling like you did something wrong. If not, you will find another way to resolve the internal conflict that came from being assaulted in the workplace. 

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

"It may help you to know that feeling like you did something wrong is a common reaction to being assaulted. It may come from a need to feel like the world makes sense or that everything happens for a reason. It may be your brain trying to figure out how to keep it from happening again."

So wise and helpful 🙂

Workplace physical harm is not okay, not from a patient, not from a co worker, and not from a guest. Calling 911 was the right thing

Specializes in Telemetry, DD, Ortho, CCU, BHU.

Did you make out an event report?  If not, you should.  Being assaulted by anyone is not okay.  Did the police show up and did you press charges against the CNA?  It's good to have an accurate account of the event.  Also it would be good to know if this CNA has had behaviors like this before, sleeping, ignoring lights and ignoring you or another supervisor.  It is unfortunate that this happened to you.  It's hard enough just trying to do our jobs for the best patient outcomes without having to deal with uncooperative staff.  I wish you better days ahead.

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