Has anyone ever been assaulted by a patient?

[OUBobcat94]

I work on a rehab floor as a CNA. I am also in my second year of nursing school. I was at work yesterday and was 1 on 1 with a brain injured patient with whom I have had a very good rapport with in the past. He is 29 years old and is cognitively functioning at about the level of a 3 year old. He wanted to leave the room and I told him no. I was standing between him and the door per protocol. He grabbed my shoulders and shook me violently and then punched me in the face. I was quite shaken (literallly and figuratively) up yesterday, but am doing much better today, except for the fat lip I have.

So I was wondering, has this ever happened to you?

And the other thing- not sure how this is handled in other facilities...he is in a monitored room, but the way the room is set up, the camera couldn't see us. The door is shut so he isn't tempted to wander the halls, and the call bell is across the room so I was nowhere near it to yank it out of the wall. Since I was near the door I just spun myself out into the hall and yelled for help. But what if he had knocked me out? Does your facilite have a panic button or something that nurses (or CNAs) carry on their person for 1 on 1 with volatile patients? I don't know if I would have even had time to access a panic button because everything happened so fast...just wondering I guess.

Thanks for any input....

-Bobcat

[RunningWithScissors]

We have a policy at our hospital that has a zero tolerance for violence.

If someone hs shown violent tendencies (inclusing verbal abuse), their chart is flagged, and they get a letter from the hospital telling them they can no longer receive services here. (except of coorifice ER treatment).

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

I've been pinched, fondled, kicked, cursed, grabbed and kissed (even on the top of the head) by all variations of patients/families.

But, while working as a firefighter/paramedic I got punched...BIG TIME. Orbital fx (not complicated, but still got my attention). The assailant did get charged with and convicted of assault. The POLICE did witness this one though - I still took the patient to the ED, but he then went to JAIL!

As a nurse, I think there is a "cultural" expectation of "caring" persona that puts you at a bit of risk in some situations. Also, some institutions will not "press charges" because of PR concerns. (This inaction, IMHO, sends a message to the staff of - WE DON"T CARE/VALUE YOU, but okay)

NVCI, Non Violent Crisis Intervention is a great program that helps to gain "control" of an out of control patient.

Also, one on the simplest solutions I've encountered as a back-up safety device is the panic alarm. The is a small device that worn on a lanyard & will emit a shrieking sound when the pieces are separated. All staff knows to drop everything and respond to the "call for help", as will security. The cost less than $10 at radio shack.

I also NEVER get into a place that my escape is blocked. Think about it as you practice. NEVER allow anyone between you and the door.

GOOD LUCK and PRACTICE SAFE!

[Simplepleasures]

Yes, actually OSHA does address this on their website!It happens that often.