Every Nurse Should Know Martial Arts

[Leonardo Del Toro]

I'm always amazed at how nurses are unprotected against an increasingly hostile and dangerous public, not only physically but also legally.  Especially the ones who work in nursing facilities (like me). I always teach the young nurses to never get near patients who are having behavior problems. I learned by experience by being punched on the face one time. To always stay arm's length from these patients. And never engage with them on any level. Fortunately, the police department is 5 min. away from us so I call the officer or their asses every chance I get and they are there right away. Nursing is so hard because we are not only abused by our bosses but abused by our patients too. 

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I've taken CPI, Handle with Care and SCM. They're all more useful than you think when you're taking the class. When I practice them in class I'm always thinking there's no way I'm going to be able to use that, but I actually have used it.

We had a 300 pound developmentally disabled woman who used to grab the hair of her wheelchair bound housemate. I surprised myself when I trapped her hand against the head and got her to release. 

 

 

[Ioreth, BSN, RN]

I have taken several self-defense classes over the years and they have given me the reflexes to protect myself.  I can see out of the corner of my eye a patient wind up to hit or kick and I've usually moved out of the way before it registers as a conscious thought. When a fist or foot lands I instinctually carry the blow back to diffuse the force. I have some basic rules before entering a room with a known violent patient:

1. Hair stays in a bun, nothing loose, bun secured with ponytail holder only. If I'm wearing hair sticks or hair fork (my go-to for work), that comes out and stays at the nurses' station.

2. No scissors or pens in my pockets.

3. I usually wear my stethoscope at my waist rather than around my neck, but I only take it in if I need it in that room right then. Pretty much I do a quick self-patdown to remove anything that can be used to harm me. 

4. Door stays open when I am in the room. NO exceptions.

5. Second staff member at the door if possible. If nothing else, the staff member can corroborate what they saw if the patient attempts to injure me or support me if the patient claims I hit them (this has happened with a coworker, patient hit him and claimed the RN hit first).

6. I keep my back to the door and no equipment or furniture between me and that door. 

7. If possible, I remove anything and everything from the room that can be thrown, shoved, or used as a shank. 

8. After the FIRST incidence of violence, I ask for restraints and a sitter immediately. If I get a sitter, I'll park that person in the doorway rather than in the room. I don't play around with violent patients. I've known too many people to be medically retired from a violent patient, and I've had too many patients attempt to hurt me. In that moment I don't care if it is malice, confusion, or some other disease process, I will protect myself and those working with me.

[Leonardo Del Toro, RN]

21 minutes ago, Ioreth said:

I don't play around with violent patients. I've known too many people to be medically retired from a violent patient, and I've had too many patients attempt to hurt me. In that moment I don't care if it is malice, confusion, or some other disease process, I will protect myself and those working with me.

Good for you! Yes, martial arts will give you a whole bundle of skills that are essential in nursing. Reflexes, agility, quick moving body and strategies. There's absolutely no way I'm going to risk myself in this job, more than I'm already am.