patient took my breath away

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2008

Here's a hug. (((hug))) :icon_hug:

I'm sorry you had to endure an assault from this patient.

Becca608 · Feb 15, 2008

Big :icon_hug: from me to you!

He had no comprehension of what he was doing and would probably be appalled that he did this. This is where you have to remember dignity for the client at all times.

I hope you did report this so an incident report could be made!

student-with-no-life · Feb 15, 2008

well I did report it - the other 2 saw it happen also - told the nurse manager - and all she asked what room and I told her and she just said "oh ok" - and walked away. he has left bruises on several people there including his mom. he now knows how to get loose from restraints - getting to the point where people are afraid to take care of him. we all understand he does not understand what he is doing and we are all very patient with him.

PMHNP10 · Feb 15, 2008

literally - tonight was my last night of 66hrs of preceptorship - Ive been on the TBI wing and have had this patient my entire stay - he is an MVA TBI and can be VERY combative at times- he hits,bites,spits and kicks, he is 4pt restraint, I was along with 2 others getting him from his wheelchair to his bed tonight and I was untying his right arm restraint and WHAM out of no where he punches me in the gut. WOW was not ready for that.
just had to share my WOW moment of the day

I'm sorry this happened. I've been fortunate enough not to be on the receiving end of a butt whoopin' so far. Although these incidents are often not avoidable with folks who are not A&O, one suggestion I might make is to avoid standing directly in front, facing a pt. (not saying you did anything wrong, because I wasn't there), whether you think they are combatative or not. it's always best to stand off slightly to their side--not directly on their side, but just a bit--like at their 1 or 2 o'clock.

webbiedebbie · Feb 15, 2008

When you say you reported it, was it only to the Nurse Manager? Did you submit a written report? This is to cover any possible or actual injury to you.

Scrabbler · Feb 15, 2008

When you say you reported it, was it only to the Nurse Manager? Did you submit a written report? This is to cover any possible or actual injury to you.

Yeah, fill out an incident report...who knows, down the line you could end up with a hernia or something--WCB won't cover it if there's no paperwork about it. Whatever you submit, keep a copy for your files.

mcknis · Feb 15, 2008

Yeah, fill out an incident report...who knows, down the line you could end up with a hernia or something--WCB won't cover it if there's no paperwork about it. Whatever you submit, keep a copy for your files.

Like the others have said, please make sure you file a written report. You will learn that the hospital admin is only watching out for number one (and BTW, its not you). I have been on the receiving end of combative pts and it truly isn't funny. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Even though he is unaware of his actions, he knows when he is going to strike, not you. So, please be careful out there and ALWAYS watch the hands in case you have to block or defend yourself down the road. These things not only happen in LTC, or psych units, but also on the typical med-surg floors.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2008

well I did report it - the other 2 saw it happen also - told the nurse manager - and all she asked what room and I told her and she just said "oh ok" - and walked away. he has left bruises on several people there including his mom. he now knows how to get loose from restraints - getting to the point where people are afraid to take care of him. we all understand he does not understand what he is doing and we are all very patient with him.

You have to report it in writing. Telling your manager is just that. There needs to be written documentation so that safety standards can be improved.

Take care of yourself first, otherwise you can't take care of others.

Blee