getting walked on

[UtErRnEmt]

after having a pt curse me out and than losing my temper, which i'll probably get pulled into the office over, i was wondering how management at other hospitals react in this type of situation. do your supervisors allow the staff to be verbally abused?

[shoegalRN, RN]

I call security. End of story.

I do not argue with patients and I try not to take it personally. But I will let them know when they cross the line with me.

I will not tolerate disrespect or verbal assaults. Disrepect is attacking me personally or threatening in any manner. You can be upset all you want at the situation, but once you cross the line with something like calling me a vulgar name or saying things like "I will kick your ass if you don't take me to the back" then all bets are off and you will get a visit from the big boys.

You can curse all you want at the situation, but once you make it personal, I'm done. I will not stoop to that level.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

There's a fine line from being verbally abused and politely, but firmly, stating what the situation is (whatever you're explaining). If that's not satisfactory, and you try to rectify a situation, but they're still angry (and you've done and documented the behavior and your attempts to remedy them), then maybe they'll leave AMA. If someone is threatening, that's a different story and I take a totally different approach (like threatening to call security).

[MassED, BSN, RN]

even if the person threatens to come after you physically?

I'd call security, while arming myself with other nurses and witnesses. I'd also mention that if they attempt to assault you, you will have the police come and you will file charges against them. Then talk to the charge and let him/her know what's going on, that should never be tolerated, period. Period.