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.
No one starts their day saying ,I am gonna get so high that I will beat on the ER staff.
Actually, yeah, they do.
I've heard patients in the waiting room talking about what they did at their last visit, and how they won't put up with that !@#$ this time, the nurse better watch out.
So I'd say that counts as planning on starting a rumble.
For our PG scores the policy is to kick people out when they have actually struck someone, not when they are just bragging about it.
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 to agree w/ canoehead. Some people may not start out the day saying that they want to get so high they want to beat on the ER staff, but there are a LOT of people who say they want to spend the day getting so high that the pain goes away.
ER staff may just be collateral damage at that point.
I am sorry this has happened to you but I wonder if pressing charges will 'stick' if this woman is coming down off something!!:uhoh21:
Why wouldn't the charges "stick"??? Being high is not a legal defense. If being under the influence is a legitimate legal defense, then no one would ever get convicted of drunk driving......
Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.
Why wouldn't the charges "stick"??? Being high is not a legal defense. If being under the influence is a legitimate legal defense, then no one would ever get convicted of drunk driving......
Ahhh simply pondering my own thoughts here :)
But honestly living here for over 7 years now. You get yourself a good lawyer that can fight the FIGHT for you... Nothing is impossible!
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!
My mentality is perfectly fine, thanks so much. May ur sunshine and light shine on only those so worthy to recieve them. Have a great day!
Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
1. File charges - even if they don't stick it may make the person think twice before she does it again, thus protecting another nurse. BTW where was your doctor? (oops Tom, just realised you asked that...)
1. File charges - even if they don't stick it may make the person think twice before she does it again, thus protecting another nurse. BTW where was your doctor? (oops Tom, just realised you asked that...)
2. Definitely go for workers compensation.
Used Work Comp only 3times
One time an injured ankle
one time an inguinal hernia needed repair, boy that hurts.
one time for a dirty needed stick from a pt in full blown aids and hep c., They started the cocktail and kept me on it for awhile. Im still negative for both
canoehead, BSN, RN
6,909 Posts
Actually, yeah, they do.
I've heard patients in the waiting room talking about what they did at their last visit, and how they won't put up with that !@#$ this time, the nurse better watch out.
So I'd say that counts as planning on starting a rumble.
For our PG scores the policy is to kick people out when they have actually struck someone, not when they are just bragging about it.