Found a Knife, Scared

medic665 · Apr 6, 2018

I think I would start by getting a better lock. You are right about lock picking being easy. Consider something like a brinks brand lock. They left a knife in your locker? I'm not sure if this points more towards violence being threatened or something else. Maybe they planned to turn you in to management for having the weapon? Unfortunately what the cops told you about the evidence is true. Getting prints off some things aren't as easy as you see on tv and only an idiot would handle something like that without gloves. We use something called one touch dna at work to determine who handled an object last, but even then placed in a locker full of your stuff, its going to be useless. Its up to you if you leave or not, but you need to take care of your own security. Like others have said, management wont be very proactive here.

Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2018

Put a ring camera inside your locker,.... or get out of there forever.

OldDude · Apr 6, 2018

another question, i wanted to ask you guys, i was told by the police to discard the evidence

This doesn't make sense to me...did a bonafide Police Officer actually tell you this or was it a hospital security guard?

Flatline, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2018

I am not sure what the issue is here. Is the presence of the knife somehow seen as an overt threat to your safety? OP, any reason why someone would want to threaten you?

I say this because carrying knives is not unusual in a hospital and it is entirely possible that someone found an open locker and put it in there for safe keeping. I know many paramedics, ED, and ICU nurses that carry a variety of knives for a variety of purposes.

OP, want to take a picture of the knife? It would help to determine if this is a genuine work tool or someone's home toy.

caliotter3 · Apr 6, 2018

I would be looking for another job. I sure would take that kind of threat seriously as you did. I also would not let anyone know if you are looking for other employment. I also like the idea OldDude mentioned as well.

And don't forget to send a copy of your communication to the facility legal department.

Crush · Apr 6, 2018

I am not sure what the issue is here. Is the presence of the knife somehow seen as an overt threat to your safety? OP, any reason why someone would want to threaten you?

I had a confrontation about a few months ago with another employee that resulted that employee transferring to another unit. However, his friends still work with me in my dept and it has been hell
After being off for a week, I opened my locker which had a lock and found a huge knife positioned there.

Not sure what type of confrontation it was, but either way, to then have a knife in the locker does not sound too good. I'd take it as a major concern. Sounds like a hostile work environment. It just is not worth it in my opinion. Hope you took a photo of the knife in its original position as you found it. I also am curious if it was a police officer or hospital/facility security. What was your facilities response? Did you extend letters with HR, corporate, etc?

allnurses Guide · Apr 6, 2018

Hi Everyone,
I am needing some advice. I had a confrontation about a few months ago with another employee that resulted that employee transferring to another unit. However his friends still work with me in my dept and it has been hell
After being off for a week, I opened my locker which had a lock and found a huge knife positioned there. It does not belong to me and either I accidentally left my locker open or someone picked my lock which looks like an easy thing to do according to youtube. I feel that this is a huge threat to my safety. I filed a police report and everything. Along with alerting management. However the hospital police states they cannot do anything about it. I told them if anything happens to me they will be responsible.
My question is with all the shooting and stabbing in the workplace, schools ect, i dont want to take any chances. What is the probability we will find out who did this? What else can I do? I want them to find out who this person is because something like that is not a joke. I am willing to do everything. Thank you all in advance.

You need to go to your union and HR.

eta: I see you already did. If nothing is being done, I would find another job quickly.

Have Nurse, ADN, RN · Apr 6, 2018

another question, i wanted to ask you guys, i was told by the police to discard the evidence the weapon but I refuse to do so because if anything happens to me that is evidence. They didnt even do fingerprints, I have contacted HR and have followed chain of command. I will not give up until this is resolved, I was even thinking of getting a lawyer at this point. What is everyones opinion? I dont feel safe going back to work but my manager seems like I definitely cannot miss work. My concern is what if we dont find out. someone else either his friends must know who did this right? I hope it eventually comes out. could this be a group effort

I agree with you that the weapon should not be disposed of. Bag it and don't touch it, but document when it was found, whom you informed, and what you were told. Lock it up in a safe place and tell no one where it is until your attorney advises you.

The Police should have bagged it themselves. How do they know it wasn't used on someone before they decided to target you?

Speak with an attorney who specializes in this kind of situation. He/She knows the law and what you need to do. You might even let OSHA know. It would be interesting to see how they respond.

Workplace Safety is very important to them.

It wouldn't hurt to let your H.R. know that you retained a lawyer. No one likes bad publicity.

I can't believe the Police instructed you to "dispose" of it!! Even a novice detective knows that you don't mess with evidence.

You shouldn't have to feel threatened in the workplace by co-workers. This is unacceptable.

nursetobequestionmark · Apr 6, 2018

OMG! you need to GTFO right now. i'm so sorry! this is terrifying

Neats, BSN · Apr 6, 2018

Look you have done everything right and no matter where you go it is the same stuff different faces. Dependent on where you live if this person is after you they will eventually find out where you went unless you are going out of state. Not trying to scare you because I get this all the time from working in the prison system, have made decisions that really have made people very angry enough for me to get a concealed weapon permit. It is not only the offenders but staff as well.

You have notified management. I would also do the following:

1. Never be alone where you work at unless it is necessary.

2. Keep a daily journal with dates times and interactions (HIPAA approved)

3. Learn self defense techniques-there are classes everywhere.

4. Always walk in and out to your vehicle with another person-even if this is security, look under and around your vehicle for signs of tampering.

5. Ask your management for monthly progress updates about security of the organization better yet join this group (these people may even leave you alone after that).

6. When you have your one to one with your supervisor let them know how you still feel about the safety/security organization and yourself. Make this one of your goals to remain harm free in the workplace. You can measure this goal as evidence by taking self defense classes, having a buddy walk in and out to vehicle,... Be proactive about the potential workplace violence.

No if HR came up against the wall with this I would think leadership would make everyone repeat a class or review workplace safety, if they have not done this I say they are not taking it seriously and if something does happen you have a right to seek damages from your company.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 6, 2018

1. Change that lock ASAP.

2. Find another job ASAP.

3. When you leave this job, don't leave a forwarding address.

4. If you want to go scorched earth, follow OldDude's advice. Though IMO, I'd wait until I secured the new job to do that, lest someone suddenly gives you a bad reference when new job is calling to verify your employment.

Best of luck.

wondern, ASN · Apr 6, 2018

Those people sound like actual criminal type bullies. They broke into your personal stuff and are trying to do something weird and messed up totally! Freaks of nature! :greyalien:

Mean people just suck! :no:

Find some nice people to work with. Get out and let them have their fun with themselves! You don't need that kind of stress on top of the hard work you do.

God bless you and keep you safe. :nurse: :nurse: :inlove:

They want to frighten you. Laugh it off until you can get out of there if possible. Don't let on that you've called security and reported it and HR too, hopefully, just for a record, not that they will do a thing about it. Their hands are usually tied up somehow it seems. I guess what can they do?

I really like the idea of putting a camera in your locker in the meantime. :specs: Bust their sorry orifices! Don't let 'em see you sweat girl.

Also get tear gas just in case you're alone somewhere. :cry:

It's Friday. How 'bout some Creedence for you for strength ?

You have people for you out here. Let us know how it goes.