I Don't Think He Meant To Hurt Me

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Specializes in Psych.

I'm writing this mainly because I just want to vent a little. I have a peds pt who is an adolescent, but BIG and strong. He's a big developmentally delayed and watches lots of cartoons. You know how in cartoons you see these exaggerated actions, like bouncing into the clouds or the feet moving at supersonic speed before the character even takes off? Well, this pt copied something he saw...one character going to another and throttling them at the throat swinging the head violently back and forth. One minute I was sitting, charting, and the next minute my head was whipping and my throat was in a vice grip. Once I realized what was happening, I was able to take his hands off, but I was rattled.

I am sure he didn't mean to hurt me. My throat is still tender, but there is no bruising. This is home health, so nobody was around, but I was firmly explaining to him that what he did was not ok when the parent walked in and heard. The parent was angry, because apparently they had told him before not to do this.

I did have a few minutes where I maybe I had a touch of PTSD from some domestic violence, and I felt sort of unreal and a bit tearful, but I was able to shake it off. The bottom line is that I am ok. I guess I just needed to write it down.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

(((HUGS)))

That's all I have for you.

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I'm so sorry. (((gentle hugs)))

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I'm writing this mainly because I just want to vent a little. I have a peds pt who is an adolescent, but BIG and strong. He's a big developmentally delayed and watches lots of cartoons. You know how in cartoons you see these exaggerated actions, like bouncing into the clouds or the feet moving at supersonic speed before the character even takes off? Well, this pt copied something he saw...one character going to another and throttling them at the throat swinging the head violently back and forth. One minute I was sitting, charting, and the next minute my head was whipping and my throat was in a vice grip. Once I realized what was happening, I was able to take his hands off, but I was rattled.

I am sure he didn't mean to hurt me. My throat is still tender, but there is no bruising. This is home health, so nobody was around, but I was firmly explaining to him that what he did was not ok when the parent walked in and heard. The parent was angry, because apparently they had told him before not to do this.

I did have a few minutes where I maybe I had a touch of PTSD from some domestic violence, and I felt sort of unreal and a bit tearful, but I was able to shake it off. The bottom line is that I am ok. I guess I just needed to write it down.

I am sorry that happened!

You should report it to management and think about getting checked out with occupational health.

This is a situation that can get more serious if that child takes something and throws at you or such. I would definitely bring that up with management and have the place evaluated to see if it is safe for home care. Sure - he did not mean to hurt you but fact is he did and it could happen again.

I know that PTSD can be rough when it gets triggered - I hope you are able to take good care of yourself.

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I'm glad you're okay. I've been attacked by an elderly patient before who had Alzheimer's and I had ptsd for weeks. I was also very afraid to care for him. With time it got easier. Sorry this happened to you and I just wanted to let you know what you're feeling is normal.

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Specializes in Psych.

Thank you all for your compassionate responses. I appreciate that you just let me get it out there. And also, thank you for sharing your experiences.

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Specializes in Psych.

prnqday - Scary! It's amazing how strong pts can be...

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I have a child with special needs and developmental delays, and am shocked the mother left you unattended with her son when she knew he had a history of aggressive behavior of this kind. It is our duty as special needs parents to protect any caregivers who come into contact with our children, and part of that duty means informing any teachers/caregivers upfront if your child has any aggressive tendencies.

I hope you are okay, and I don't blame you for feeling upset afterward. An unprovoked attack like that is traumatizing. ITA, your supervisors need to be made aware of this situation and any future caregivers may need to be notified, depending on policy.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I am so sorry this happened to you.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

(hugs) so scary!

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Specializes in Psych.

Quazar -You are a special mom

I might have mis-characterized his actions; I don't think they were malicious/aggressive. I think he acted spontaneously, and he truly doesn't know his strength. To be fair, I'm not in and out for quick assessments - I'm there for long stretches of time for the express purpose to give the family relief. I've had him for about three months as a patient, and he can be grabby, affectionate [sort of reminds me of Angelman's syndrome although that's not his diagnosis] but I've never seen him hostile or threatening. I don't think there's any blame, really. I'm just feeling sore and surprised and wondering if I could have done something differently.

Thank you for your concern!

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Quazar -You are a special mom

I might have mis-characterized his actions; I don't think they were malicious/aggressive. I think he acted spontaneously, and he truly doesn't know his strength. To be fair, I'm not in and out for quick assessments - I'm there for long stretches of time for the express purpose to give the family relief. I've had him for about three months as a patient, and he can be grabby, affectionate [sort of reminds me of Angelman's syndrome although that's not his diagnosis] but I've never seen him hostile or threatening. I don't think there's any blame, really. I'm just feeling sore and surprised and wondering if I could have done something differently.

Thank you for your concern!

Oh no, don't worry about it, I know you weren't trying to disparage him. :) My son is large for his age and omg he can REALLY hurt you, even if he doesn't always mean to (sometimes he does). There are some places that offer specific training on how to handle physical outbursts from children, and how to protect yourself (and them). Usually centers that treat autistic children will offer it. Maybe look into it? It might help.

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