Do all nurses get assaulted by patients?

[ijuanabhappy]

I am just curious if all nurses get assaulted by patients and is this just part of the job. This might make me reconsider starting a nursing program this fall. I am a petite woman (not strong) and yes, the thought of being punched, hit, or kicked by a patient terrifies me. I feel like I would not be able to concentrate on my duties if I was constantly having to look over my shoulder. I am intelligent, but I tend to be on the anxious side somewhat. Are there any areas of nursing where this does not happen? I have read all of these horror stories on here about this happening all of the time. Maybe at my age, I should just stick to my home medical transcription! Any honest thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I have been hit a few times working in LTC and psych. Avoid psych, LTC, and the ER and that should cut down on a lot of the risk of being hit. I haven't been hit very often in med/surg but that was always by someone who couldn't get out of bed so all I had to do was walk away.

[BearyPrivate]

I work in LTC and it is very rare that nurses get assaulted. I personally have been assaulted several times in my 15 years as a nurse. Last week we had a male pt. in Alzheimer's Unit that became upset with the CNA and took it out on me when I entered the room because the CNA was male the Res felt he could better take me on I suppose. He hit me in the left side of my chest and I took about 4 steps back. It hurt like hell. The male CNA was right there and got the pt. off me. There is no rhyme or reason for most assaults it just happens. This does not mean the pt. is going to do it again. It just means you need to assess the situation and prepare yourself to handle it.

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Thanks for all of your posts. Maybe I will just spend the next two years finishing getting my Bachelor's in Health Studies and become a health educator. It would take me the same amount of time. I know I sound like a wimp, but I just don't have the strong "tough as nails" personality that I think is required to be a nurse. I guess it is fear of the unknown. I have always worked medical office jobs. I have never been hit or assaulted by anybody so the idea is just scary. Maybe I would get used to it, who knows....