Nursing Abuse

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Specializes in Surgical, Pediatrics.

Hello all,

I've been a RN for 2 years and I recently went into pediatric home health. I took on a case two weeks ago with a patient who is 21 years old but has the mind of a 5 to 7 year old due to a genetic condition that causes seizures and autism. The patient's mood will change drastically depending on tiredness or being told "no". He stands tall at 6'3 and I am 5'5, 120lb. In the last 2 weeks I have been kicked in the ribs once and yesterday I was hit in both breasts and had a table thrown at me which hit me in the shin. Needless to say, both my chest and leg hurt so bad afterwards that I cried. All of these incidents have transpired in front of both parents. However, nothing has been done about it exept mild scolding.

I have documented everything and reported this to my the agency I work for. I would like other opinions and/or stories on this subject from those of you whom may have experienced this type of situation.

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Uh, NO.

Nope. That is not okay.

They all need to come up with Plan B.

That is to say I would not be going back there.

19
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Specializes in Surgical, Pediatrics.

Thank you!

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BTW, I am very sorry that happened to you and hope any bruising and muscle stuff is resolving.

This is not appropriate. The patient (and family) deserves a multidisciplinary/multimodal plan for his/their own health, happiness, and safety.

You should not feel any guilt over very plainly informing your agency that you cannot return there.

Also (hopefully you will no longer be needing this information, but others reading might someday...) - if something like this happens to you, you should first ensure everyone's general safety (getting emergency help if the problem is still ongoing), and then immediately inform your supervisor and seek care as you would for any workplace injury using your company's procedures. If they balk or act like they don't have any such procedures, go to the ED.

Feel better soon!

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Specializes in Surgical, Pediatrics.

Concilium parts I hate known my company this morning of but they have not responded to me. I have pain in the left rest. Should I go to the ER?

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.
16 minutes ago, 2017_PEDSRN said:

Concilium parts I hate known my company this morning of but they have not responded to me. I have pain in the left rest. Should I go to the ER?

I'm . . . not sure what you mean?

Concilium is a Catholic journal. Maybe your spell-checker messed up?

Are you saying that you told your company but they have not responded? If you have pain in your left chest, you could go to ER. I might rather go to a walk-in clinic, as this does not sound like an emergency.

You should be seen.

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Did you fill out a workers comp complaint? If you did you should have a number for registration in medical facility you go to. My understanding if it is work related some insurances won't cover it. Is there someone you can contact after hours? Or a workers comp complaint hotline for your agency?

Is it a reproducible pain? Directly related to the injury? Regardless, I wouldn't deter you from going. Are you worried it is a cardiac issue or causing respiratory symptoms, etc. Since we don't know your medical history, probably not safe for us to offer the medical advice. Use your judgment for that.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Home Health, Corrections, School Nurse.

With a lot of cases of autism, particularly severe autism, believe me the parents are at a loss too, and have probably been assaulted many times as well. Having said that, you do not have to be subjected to that, and for your own safety, should not go back. Your injuries should absolutely be reported to Workmen's comp.

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Specializes in Non judgmental advisor.
On 1/25/2020 at 12:26 PM, 2017_PEDSRN said:

Hello all,

I've been a RN for 2 years and I recently went into pediatric home health. I took on a case two weeks ago with a patient who is 21 years old but has the mind of a 5 to 7 year old due to a genetic condition that causes seizures and autism. The patient's mood will change drastically depending on tiredness or being told "no". He stands tall at 6'3 and I am 5'5, 120lb. In the last 2 weeks I have been kicked in the ribs once and yesterday I was hit in both breasts and had a table thrown at me which hit me in the shin. Needless to say, both my chest and leg hurt so bad afterwards that I cried. All of these incidents have transpired in front of both parents. However, nothing has been done about it exept mild scolding.

I have documented everything and reported this to my the agency I work for. I would like other opinions and/or stories on this subject from those of you whom may have experienced this type of situation.

Please collect compensation enough for a 6 month vacation them seek other options:)

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Specializes in RN, DSD.

I was assigned a young man who was an ex-gang member as a patient through my registry.  It was not a problem for a while, then the patient started having gatherings and going to gathering full of gang members. I was out of there quicker than you can say skippy.  Haha, if it's not safe, it's not safe.  As nurses sometimes we feel like we are required to endure abuse, we are not.  If you are dealing with a dementia patient, it's part of the job, you can't get around being struck on occasion.  If the patient is oriented x3, no.  You don't repeatedly put yourself in harm's way. Sounds like the child could benefit from behavior therapy.  

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