Fair investigations on behalf of nurses

[jeweloftheghetto]

Hi Everyone,

Recently, a nurse has made it to the Australian headlines when he assaulted/mistreated a patient with cerebral palsy. The family placed a hidden camera because they suspected an abuse was going on. I saw the video and thought it was very wrong what he did to that patient but I also feel bad for the nurse as he looked like he's been pushed to his limits to the extent that he physically hurt him. Yesterday, me and my colleague were talking about the incident and I voiced what I thought about it and she somehow agreed with me. She actually knows someone who worked with that nurse who is apparently a lovely staff, which is a question to everyone why he did what he did. Her nurse friend also added that the patient was the most difficult she ever had on that ward, had the filthiest mouth and verbally abuses every staff. I guess you can be disabled and be a jerk at the same time. My point is, the nurse was already judged even when investigations weren't finished yet. I read the comments on social media and here's what I thought: People who comment bad things about nurses,they should try to work as one even for a day, then maybe they'll earn the right to disrespect us.The media made it worst by showing a handpicked clip that only favors the victim. What if something provoked him to do those things. I guess they can't show that in public. Pls don't get me wrong. I hope he gets what he truly deserves but until everything's done, he deserves a fair and balanced investigation, IMHO.

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

As professional nurses who petitioned the community for the privilege of serving them, we are held to a higher standard. That nurse may have been provoked and he may have been pushed to the edge but it is his responsibility to recognize that and seek help.

There is no excuse to abuse anyone. Period. It is like saying the wife pushed her husband too far so maybe, just maybe, she deserved to be smacked around a little bit. Victim blaming is never the answer, especially when the accused is in a position of power and authority. I am not saying you excused the behavior, you didn't, but I would caution sympathy.

As a profession, nursing is very open and is generally very introspective and self-critical...which has largely resulted in us being considered the most ethical profession in the world.

I applaud your efforts and insights but would caution an us v. them attitude, that kind of thinking is what has gotten the police in the United States into such trouble. We are the patient's advocate and by extension, the public's advocate. It is sometimes an uncomfortable position to be in but it is a sacred and special honor.

[jeweloftheghetto]

You are right. I guess I'm just overly affected by it because I've been abused a few times by patients and relatives and I always thought it is part of the job. All I'm saying is we all make mistakes regardless of who we are and what we do. We deserve a fair shake. We are only humans, we are not saints.It's not fair that we get to tolerate all the abuses and nothing's ever done on them. Setting this incident aside, I'd like to see fairness.