I saw another nurse assault a patient

[morman]

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?

[vone28]

The "studies" to which you refer was ONE study and we don't know how rigorous that study was.

Further, she can state her opinion as anyone else can. She doesn't have to confine it to the religion forum as it is a by the bye comment, not a discussion of religion.

My thoughts exactly.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

OP asked "what would you do?"

Question answered.

OP didn't like the answers.

Wonder what OP did end up doing?

She qualified her "simple" question of what to do, with a if you were known to be competing with this person for a job, what would you do.. Many people didn't seem to get that part. Her concern was the report might not be taken as a "simple" elder abuse report but an attempt to make her competitor look bad.

[Farawyn]

She qualified her "simple" question of what to do, with a if you were known to be competing with this person for a job, what would you do.. Many people didn't seem to get that part. Her concern was the report might not be taken as a "simple" elder abuse report but an attempt to make her competitor look bad.

I got that part. Why do you think no one for that, Mav?

No matter what it "might" turn out to be, report it.

[LockportRN]

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.

This would make me think "If he is bold enough to do this in my presence, what the heck is he doing to these people when he is alone with them?" I'd report it not only because this guy does not belong in nursing, but as a requirement for being a nurse (we are mandated reporters).

Ugg, gets me so mad to think of this happening.

[morman]

Just an update....

I reported as I had always planned. The manager promised to look into the whole thing but has not done anything in 6 weeks beyond take my written statement and request one from the other witness (who is well and truly scared of the potential consequences). It turns out that none of the other nurses who worked primarily with him in the past year have ever disclosed other incidents of verbal and physical abuse, only whispered about it amongst themselves. The college will take no action at the present time, relying instead on the manager's future findings - if it is disclosed at all. Apparently, it's up to employer. The union cited conflict of interest. Shades of grey for everyone...

The appointment of the male nurse to a position of increased independence and greater responsibility has proceeded. There will be no on-site monitoring at his new location. I on the other hand have been asked to step aside in order to accommodate the introduction of another manager into our already fully staffed unit who unexpectedly found himself without a portfolio. Um, right.

This whole episode has been painful on a number of fronts. I have been accused of lying on this forum. My coworkers are suspicious of me as a whistle-blower. I feel devalued by my managers. And ultimately, I have failed to protect other patients.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

Are you in the US?

DO you even want to work there?

[Christy1019, ASN, RN]

I don't know what your personal situation is, but if you can leave that facility, I would strongly recommend it. I'm sorry that you are having such a rough time, I really do hope things work out for you.

[WyoNurseTeacher]

It concerns me that this is even a dilemma. Forget the job. What about this patient and any others who decide not to do as he directs?

[morman]

Yet another respondent who appears to have trouble with reading comprehension...

Last update that I shall post here. It was reported to the manager, who only took my report and that of the assailant. None from the other witness ultimately, no consultation with the organization's practice consultant. The male nurse said that the patient was drunk, swearing and attempting to strike out, and he responded by putting his hand on the old man's chest to restrain him. The manager had a brief discussion with him on the best way to handle an intoxicated patient. No further action was directed, including future monitoring or restriction.

When I found that out (upon my own initiative because I was not given any official feedback), I did lodge a complaint with the college. At least they started a proper investigation. However, the other nurse witness downplayed her initial statement, and testified that she knew the male nurse had put his hands on the patient but she didn't see exactly what happened. With that, the whole complaint basically became "he said, she said". My introductory dilemma, remember? As nothing then could be proven, nothing more could be done other than to write a letter of direction, admonishing the male nurse against swearing in the workplace - the only thing to which he admitted that he did regularly, as a means to "establish rapport" with the client population. At least my original letter of complaint will remain in his file for the next 7 years, so if there is a replay of this incident - as I am sure there will be - at least there will be an established history.