charging pts with assault

[misseymac]

I want to know what others psych nurse's views are in regards to charging patients who assault staff. Do you think that charging a patient who assaults you will achieve anything? What policies and procedures apply in regards to this where you work. I'd really like to know others opinions as where I work I get mixed messsages and assume it comes down to personal choice in charging the patient.

[PRNMEDS]

At the hospital where I work it is up to the individual. As a nurse we are discouraged from pressing charges (unless very very severe attack). The MHA's (Mental Health Assistants) are usualy not persuaded one way or another. It seems to depend on severity of attack, and patients mental capacity. If very psychotic or delusional then less likely to charge since not really in control.

[Eviene]

I didn't report an elated patient who threatened to kill me, but we've had a cultural change on my ward now and are more willing to press charges, but there doesn't seem to be much support from management. I think nurses would feel safer if trusts pressed charges automatically. It's important to do so as if a conviction isn't guaranteed, at least a forensic history will accumulate.

[CounselorLou]

We had a "psychotic" patient attack a staff member, from behind, at night and beat him so bad that the staff member died a couple of days later. Initially the administration did not approve of charging the patient with assault, but after the death they changed their minds (I hope for the right reasons). Until this attack we have had many such incidents, but (luckily) none as serious. The patient is now in jail and is awaiting to be tried for the death. Ours is a very good unit, where the patients get excellant care and treatment. This incident just goes to show that you MUST always be aware of what is going on around you.