How do you deal with a rape threat from a patient?

Published

Hello. Something recently happened at work and it has been really hard for me to get past this. Before I start, management has been amazing and did everything they could for me after the incident.

I work in an ICU and was helping a patient (not mine) with the primary nurse and the patient physically assaulted me and then threatened to rape me. Now this is not the first time that I have been physically assaulted, mentally, emotionally, or verbally abused but this was the first time a patient threatened to rape me. I can't even explain how that threat makes me feel. The police got involved after but no charges were placed due to the patient's condition. People say I shouldn't listen to his words but I just can't get past this. Anyone ever been in a similar situation?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Do you have an employee assistance program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Definitely look into EAP and get some help with this. Clearly it is bothering you and you might need assistance to move past it. I am so sorry this happened to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I assume the police were called?

I'm sorry this happened, how horrible!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The police decided to not press charges? I thought that was up to you.

I'm very sorry this happened to you. I think EAP would be a great place to start.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion