Injured in E.D. (kinda long)

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU/ED/HS.

OK...Short history...Young female on MANY different types of narcs, opioids, cannabis ect. But no alcohol, carried in by spouse, almost immediately violent, attempt to talk down, pt non-compliant, recieved restraint orders and security shows up. As we attempt restraint, she fights harder. I am restraining one arm, security holding the other and spouse holding legs. Legs get loose and I recieve HARD blow from knees to middle of back. Proper reports filed, medically checked, physician says I have a "strain, deep bruise to the right Latissimus Dorsi"(sp?)

Not asking for advice, just wondering how long it will hurt? Having muscle spasms frequently and cannot turn quickly. Just wish the pain to go away.

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Can't give you medical advice.

But have you considered pressing charges?

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I have no idea how long you will hurt but I do hope you are feeling better soon. I'm glad your injuries weren't any worse than they are.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU,ER,ACLS/BLS instructor.

Sorry about your injury. My only advice to you is to look up workman's comp laws in ur state . CYA. Hopefully u will be back on ur feet and working soon. If not ,u need to know how u r protected and what to do if injury is compromising. Do not trust your company to do the right thing by you.

Get some rest and stay off ur feet! Good Luck and if u need to chat,feel free to pm me, I have been there!

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Specializes in psychiatric ER, Mental Health.

Sorry to hear about your injury...

I do have aquestion though.... What in the world was the spouse doing helping with a restraint?? Is that ok with policy? That is TOTALLY against policy where I am......

Hope you feel better soon.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU/ED/HS.
Sorry to hear about your injury...

I do have aquestion though.... What in the world was the spouse doing helping with a restraint?? Is that ok with policy? That is TOTALLY against policy where I am......

Hope you feel better soon.

We are a smaller hospital, only one security on duty at a time. 2 other nurses in E.R., we do occasionally use family, especially if they are willing/trained to help. This person was an EMT.

Am not looking for advice, just wondering how long it will hurt. I still work, have not lost any days(better living through chemistry), take my Aleve, suck it up, and move on.;)

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

emsboss, here's hoping you feel better soon.

Press charges. It may be the most therapeutic thing you can do for that patient.

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Again, press charges.

And I hope you feel better.

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

PRESS CHARGES! It's the only way people will realize that is is totally unacceptable to get drunk &/or high, then come to the ER & use the staff as their personal punching bag. I have absolutely NO sympathy for pieces of sh*t like this woman who did this to you.....

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Specializes in ED-CEN/PACU/Flight.

I have to jump on the bandwagon and say FILE CHARGES! And take extra special care of your back as that IS our livelihood.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU,ER,ACLS/BLS instructor.
PRESS CHARGES! It's the only way people will realize that is is totally unacceptable to get drunk &/or high, then come to the ER & use the staff as their personal punching bag. I have absolutely NO sympathy for pieces of sh*t like this woman who did this to you.....

Pressing charges may help this lady to rehab,but doubt they will stick. She was obviously under the influence and that caused her to go nuts. But,and I know I will get slamed for this,anyone who feels that these pts are "pieces of sh--" needs to leave the er. No one starts their day saying ,I am gonna get so high that I will beat on the ER staff. We are there to care for all, those injured physically,mentally or self abusive. Burn out happens frequently in the ER, because we see so much of this,but thats life and what we get paid to do. Just my 2 cents

Hope the OP back is better, I was injured in the ER, myself, so I can relate.

Have a great day all!

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.
Pressing charges may help this lady to rehab,but doubt they will stick. She was obviously under the influence and that caused her to go nuts. But,and I know I will get slamed for this,anyone who feels that these pts are "pieces of sh--" needs to leave the er. No one starts their day saying ,I am gonna get so high that I will beat on the ER staff. We are there to care for all, those injured physically,mentally or self abusive. Burn out happens frequently in the ER, because we see so much of this,but thats life and what we get paid to do. Just my 2 cents

Hope the OP back is better, I was injured in the ER, myself, so I can relate.

Have a great day all!

I have no problem with 99% of my patients- even when they are less than nice to me, I still am caring & compassionate towards them, but the second a patient assaults me or my co-workers, they have lost any compassion I might have for them. Being drunk or high is not an excuse, and legally, would not be a reason for charges to be dropped. If being drunk or high was an acceptable defense for committing a crime, most criminals would never be charged with anything, as most crimes are committed while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. I am so SICK of people who have the mentality that because I'm a nurse I should just be all sunshine & light to people who are trying to physically harm me!!! I reserve the sunshine & light for the people who appreciate me trying to help them- NOT for those trying to hurt me!

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