Got Assaulted today

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2009

Wow!! Just one of the many reasons why I would never want to work in that area of nursing. And it kind of confuses me, the powers that be can do that if you are injured like that??? I didn't realize that.

Anne, RNC

Jules A, MSN · Aug 17, 2009

I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm not in forensic psych but as in any psych field we do get hit from time to time. It kind of goes with the territory but fortunately my facility is fairly supportive when one of us gets hurt. We can press charges if we want to although it is a long, tedious process and rarely gets completed. If I felt unsafe I'd definitely find another job. Hang in there.

EarthChild1130 · Aug 22, 2009

In my experience that has not been the norm, as some patients will say one thing, and behave in quite another fashion...if someone punched me and was still yelling 'I'm calm!' he'd still earn himself a trip to the seclusion room and time to think, I'd say. I have been attacked a few times, but I have yet to press charges on anyone, as it has usually been in the midst of a crisis situation and not a particular attack on me...I'm sorry you were injured. (((hugs)))

robails1 · Aug 22, 2009

hi jerry earthchild orca and others, It must be world wide, this phenomena of nurses being used as punching bags and no one really cares even the authorities your employer, police, sheriffs and the courts don't give a hooee about you as long as you turn up each shift and do your work. The employers have got you and you are just a number to them filling a gap on a roster and bugger me dead you choose to work with clients who can bash the be jesus out of you and if you don't like it there's the door, is their attitude. I am a professional as you, and I can thank the almighty I don't get bashed everyday but the element is there everyday, and you have to be aware of that, and although it is there makes you the nurse that you become, yes you can be scinical and stand offish and at times you shigh away from perceived conflict which can be very damaging to your relationship with your peers or collegues this by the way should be avoided. Build a relationship with your collegues so you are together in all areas so you can get the back up in the event of perceived threats and use the force which is reasonable to stop the escalation of aggression to which can become violent. I have always been there for my peers and they can always count on me remember the saying as a nurse you are a substitute for these patients /clients, parent, friend, social worker, OT, teacher and all other things, but you are not the substitute for their gym equipment.

Now what you can do legally to prevent the employer from avoiding your particular issue jerry is look into your Occupational Health and Safety act or legislation which should be part of your employment and use this against them or get the union to work on your behalf to implement safe working conditions for your establishment and become a OH&S representative to bring about necessary changes to your establishment of what you guys want and that is a safe environment and use the legisilation against the employer so they become the ones who are responsible for the changes or else they are liable for all compensation in court themselves. I am in the process of fighting a case in the industrial court for wrongful dismissal or unfair dismissal at the moment, a client I was caring for who was verbally aggressive to me with threats and abuse all morning and after me defusing 2 separate incidents prior to the main incident I perceived the threat he was going to clock me with a stainless steel tray or throw hot water over me, I tried to move him away from the area of risk and as I did I connected with him and as a result he tripped over his feet and on a small gutter in the pathway and fell over. I admit there was a slight bit of force and the surveillance camera close by got me shoving him. I immediately gave him aid to rise and placed him on a chair he was still abusing me and threats to do things to my mother and he would get me . Knowing there was cameras there in the unit I immediately reported the incident and stated to one of the unit managers of what had occurred got the doctor to see him gave first aid to abrasion and stated shooting my self in the foot "that it might look bad on camera" he reported the incident to the big unit manager who viewed the incident on tape and now I have been suspended on pay for the past 10 weeks whilst my case is decided by the area health service and with the view of termination of services possibly this week and then the case to fight for my job back will commence. I can say that the past several months have gone by quickly which will never be replaced and with allot of reflection of, why I put my self into the situation, why I became a nurse , why did i work there am I ready for early retirement, how am I going to pay my mortgage and bills my wife is depressed I am depressed and life is not as rosy now at the moment but I intend fighting and the union is backing me with lawyers and hopefully it will be Ok in the end. My collegues are barred from talking to me due to confidentiality issues but they still call by and phone me as well they are organising branch union action and batting for me with the head office of the union so this is why a good colleague is necessary as you are all in the same boat with the same work ethic and the same worries and it can happen to them in time.You are not alone jerry I hope you get better and I hope you are not scarred too much, hang in there. robails1

Jerry99 · Sep 6, 2009

We've talked about going to osha, but aren't they more about hazardous materials, and safety issues of the actual hospital building. Could they help change anything, about being pretty much defenseless when being assaulted, and not having any rights to protect yourself without the risk of getting fired. Some good news though, they got rid of the guy that assaulted me. Not because he was violent to me and a bunch of the aids. They got rid of him because he was an elopement risk. So that says to me, you can beat up on all the people that work here and nothing will happen, but if you try and find a way to escape you're going to higher security.

elkpark · Sep 7, 2009

Actually, "workplace violence" is one of the occupational issues OSHA deals with. I don't know a lot of details, but I'm sure you could find more information at the main OSHA website (http://www.osha.gov).

Jules A, MSN · Sep 8, 2009

Does anyone else think that the chance of being assualted kind of comes with the territory of our speciality? While I try to be very aware, have great support staff for the most part and would defend myself as necessary I also figure its just the nature of the beast that we call psych.

elkpark · Sep 8, 2009

Does anyone else think that the chance of being assualted kind of comes with the territory of our speciality? While I try to be very aware, have great support staff for the most part and would defend myself as necessary I also figure its just the nature of the beast that we call psych.

Well, yes, that's true to some extent but, unfortunately, I've seen lots of employers over the years use that as an excuse/rationalization for not spending the money or taking the steps that they could to provide as safe an environment as possible for staff (as well as clients).

Ross Cookis · Sep 14, 2009

I have been there and my place of business reacted the same way - I found the best way to heal after this is give it time and then learn how to never get into that situation again - I became a nonviolent crisis prevention instructor and I practice all I preech - I do understand that the clients are getting more violent and more criminalistic than psychiatric - My unit has repeatedly taken persons who assaulted staff back time and time again and the Judge said once to me that I should accept being physically battered as part of my job. Remeber, he has court officers to protect him.

safiyarozz · Sep 14, 2009

How often do assaults occur on the job;is it a very common thing?

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Sep 17, 2009

Wow, I am so sorry to hear of your experience!

Where I work (and we work with teenagers, so we have a lot of issues with DHS, etc and have more limitations than with adult psych) we don't put up with anything like that. I had one of our patients masterbate in front of me one night and I was told by our medical director I could press charges against this 14 year old....and they warned him I could press charges against him as well. I feel "back up" where I work as far as my safety goes.

But let me tell you I was assaulted by patients (even children) when I worked in the hospital as well, just look at what ER nurses put up with....it's in a lot of areas of nursing. But I do NOT think any RN should have to put up with this at all--we should feel back up. I'm thankful I work at a place that if I feel I am in danger or another pt is in danger I will do a hold or call security without worry about how my boss, etc will respond or not back me up.

So no, not all psych places are like yours.