nurses attached by patients

FLArn · Jul 18, 2011

If the patient is competent, I guess she could file assault charges with the police. Not sure what if any fallout would come from her employers. You know "customer satisfaction" and all that.

AgentBeast, MSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

There have been numerous threads on the issue. Try reading through them. There is a wealth of information already on this site.

https://allnurses.com/gsearch.php?cx=partner-pub-9350112648257122%3Avaz70l-mgo9&cof=DIV%3Acacaca%3BBGC%3AF8F7F5%3BFORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&as_q=nurses+attacked&sa=Search#1194

lindarn · Jul 18, 2011

Look for another job, call the police and PRESS CHARGES!

Take cover and prepare for the assault from your employer, who is more concerned with,"customer service and satisfaction", than the safety of the employees under her watch. If you face repercussions from your employer, be prepared to go public , and call the papers, TV stations, etc. The public needs to know that is more important to employers to throw nurses are thrown under the bus, than it is to keep them safe!

JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

caregiver1977 · Jul 18, 2011

Look for another job, call the police and PRESS CHARGES!
Take cover and prepare for the assault from your employer, who is more concerned with,"customer service and satisfaction", than the safety of the employees under her watch. If you face repercussions from your employer, be prepared to go public , and call the papers, TV stations, etc. The public needs to know that is more important to employers to throw nurses are thrown under the bus, than it is to keep them safe!
JMHO and my NY $0.02.
Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN
Somewhere in the PACNW

Will that do any good if the patient was not in control of their mental state (permanently or temporarily)? I mean, if people can get out of murder charges because being "temporarily insane" etc... The OP didn't specify this patient's mental state.

Something has to be done about a patient who attacks anybody (change of meds, etc...) I don't know if it will do any good to involve the police in every case.

I am NOT advocating that nurses should become human punching bags for patients who are just frustrated. Don't want to get that misunderstanding started.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Will that do any good if the patient was not in control of their mental state (permanently or temporarily)? I mean, if people can get out of murder charges because being "temporarily insane" etc... The OP didn't specify this patient's mental state.
Something has to be done about a patient who attacks anybody (change of meds, etc...) I don't know if it will do any good to involve the police in every case.
I am NOT advocating that nurses should become human punching bags for patients who are just frustrated. Don't want to get that misunderstanding started.

I have had A&O x 3 pt's try to attack/hit/throw things at me. I simply tell them they do it again I will call hospital security and I walk out of the room. While there are the little old ladies with dementia, there are also cruel pts completely aware of their violent behavior that should be held accountable for their actions.

caregiver1977 · Jul 18, 2011

Exactly Christine. My concern is for those who truly can't help their behavior.

CBsMommy · Jul 18, 2011

If they can't control their behavior (dementia), it's time for a call to the MD, a LARGE dose of Haldol and a sitter (this is post attack). Of course, hopefully with some reassurance, distraction and other techniques we can stop this behavior before it gets to the point of the Haldol.

If they are fully aware of their behavior, it's a call to security, the cops and filing charges. No one should have to work in an unsafe environment.

belgarion · Jul 18, 2011

It's been said in other threads before but the best reason for calling in the police and pressing charges is to establish a paper trail outside the confines of the facility. Wait a minute, did I just imply that hospitals might cover something up?

BluegrassRN · Jul 19, 2011

Not all hospitals want to cover such things up, and I don't know why they would want to do so. I know of numerous nurses who have filed police reports and pressed charges. All staff occasionally receive emails from our security department in the event someone has made threatening remarks regarding the hospital, or has been truly belligerent or violent on a unit. A name, description of the person, and photo is included, with instructions to call security immediately if the person is seen in the hospital or on hospital grounds.

If they're a/o x 3, in no uncertain terms, press charges. If they aren't a/o, then there is definitely some gray area, and I think most of us couldn't give advice without more details.

blamejoe · Jul 19, 2011

I teach our behavioral dyscontrol safety class for the hospital I work for, and part of that class covers exactly this topic.

It is a felony offense to assault any healthcare worker on-the-job. I do not know if this is a state law or federal, but I imagine numerous states besides PA also have this protection.

Starting the paper trail begins at work, by calling security, filing incident reports, and discussion with your director and legal team. My hospital supports the pressing of charges against anyone who assaults anyone on our property. The risk managers will even help when someone speaks with police.

Consider the reputation your employer would receive if they were unable to hire staff due to not putting basic civil rights protections in place. What would the "customers" think if they knew that you had to work in a place that condones violence. If your job would cover up a crime, they need to be reported to OSHA, JCAHO, and the BBB. They are also likely to be found responsible if any civil lawsuits would be brought. It's a risk most places can't afford to take, though some may just need a friendly reminder to help them make the right decision. No hospital wants to advertise "Come to Our ED/Unit/Clinic/etc., where you can beat up the staff!!!"

Filing a report with the police is appropriate. When I worked in psychiatry with patients who were involuntarily committed for being a danger to themselves or others, charges were successfully filed when the patient had assaulted staff. Even though they were deemed "incompetent" for the time being by the medico-legal process, they were still accountable for their actions.

My biggest advice is this, though - don't hit back, and go to the ED and get checked out. It is very difficult to support a claim that you were attacked if you continue to work like nothing ever happened. Even if they clear you to resume work, you have another document stating that you had sustained or suspected bodily harm.

ATXRN · Jul 19, 2011

First off, an apology for posting a thread that is basically already covered other areas.(I'm learning.) most importantly, thank you to everyone for their ideas and comments. Everyone seemed to be on the same page with their responses. Everyone had a good point to consider, for sure!

It would seem my friend is on the right tract with her responses thus far. Your support has been overwhelming....

Warms a newcomer's heart *^_^* Goodnight all.