I saw another nurse assault a patient

Published

A big male nurse grabbed a struggling, intoxicated elder by the throat in front of me and pushed him back on the bed, growling "I told you to f'ing lie down!". I would normally have absolutely have no problem reporting this, except that we are in quasi-competition for the same job. I have little trust that the management will not see my disclosure as anything but self-serving and untrustworthy. The patient himself cannot make a complaint and the co-worker who was with me doesn't want to "borrow trouble". What would you do?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Report it anonymously.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Report it - plain and simple. Because its the right thing to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Are you a licensed nurse in the United States? If the answer to this question is affirmative, then you are a mandated reporter in instances where you've suspected or witnessed abuse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Just from an ethical standpoint I don't see how I could feel good about my new job knowing there was a loose cannon out there that has so little impulse control they assault a patient with two people watching them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Are you a licensed nurse in the United States? If the answer to this question is affirmative, then you are a mandated reporter in instances where you've suspected or witnessed abuse.

This.

If there are findings of abuse later with this patient, you will find yourself being questioned whether you knew bout the abuse, and if found out that you were a witness, you could be in a bind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I don't get it. What else WOULD you do BUT report it????!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm trying to picture you weighing out protecting your potential job promotion and protecting this old man.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Report it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

report the hillbilly and sleep at night.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Report it. If you don't trust the management to respond appropriately, why do you want to work there?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

There is literally no other option but to report this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion