Picked up a resident.

Published

I was working the dementia hall at our facility when resident was readmitted to our facility from a behavior unit. This resident has a history of hitting other residents and was repeatedly combative when at the behavior facility.

I returned from lunch through the secured entrance to that unit and found said dementia patient aggressively exit seeking. The resident would not except verbal redirection. When I tried to escort the resident he began to punch me in the face repeatedly.

I handled this situation by picking the resident up. I scooped him up like a baby, or how a groom carries his bride. While his room was only 10 feet away, he probably punched me another 30 times (can't count) before I was able to lay him in his bed. I didn't grab him, or strike him, or harm him physically in any way.

Its a sad story. I made a snap decision, and I thought that I was protecting him and the other residents. However, today, I met with my administrator and DON, and the administrator talked of lawsuits and J -tags and losing my license. He pulled out a pre typed resignation letter and told me to sign it or I was fired. I signed it.

Opinions? Am I fully to blame? Is my administrator out of his mind? I need some clarity.

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Specializes in PCCN.

man, I sorry that happened to you. I know where I am if a pt wants to leave, we cant stop them. all we can do is follow them and call security who can make them come back. We cant physically touch them.

Im sorry- hope you find another job soon.

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Specializes in ER.

I may be misunderstanding... but you had gotten back on the unit, and the door was closed and locked? He wasn't going anywhere, right? Probably physical contact wasn't appropriate or needed, just time and some distraction or attention. That's a common need for dementia patients, so what was it about this man that made you feel a different response was needed?

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You did say, secured entrance? If you came in the door from your break and the resident surprised you and tried to dart out the door before it closed, you could have blocked the door with your body and pulled it closed. The resident might've still punched you in the side or something a couple times.. but yeah I'm thinking carrying the resident to their room while they're punching you in the face to 'protect the other residents' was over doing it.. Dementia care isn't for everyone.

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usually from what ive seen is that you should keep your distance and tell them verbally to relax and all that, but after he hit you or became aggressive i think you should of called code grey or had someone call it...self defense shouldnt be a problem as a last resort..in a bhu.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I understand your concerns,

but the prior post gave excellent critical thinking

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

On the other hand, you actions were well intended, but as an experienced DON, I would have counseled you, in serviced etc on more appropriate interactions.....was there any patient harm, was there emotional harm, 24hours later....those are the areas, that are reportable to CmS/DADs..... Even if there were , and corrective action was taken, and received..... And it was considered a "reportable".....usually not tagged.....

im not sure, if it is just me and my over 4 decades of experience, but your employer may have over reacted, defense...

i I sure hope CapeCodMermaid, gives her opinion, as she is a very experienced DON also,

i will will ask moderators to move your post to geriatrics....as you may get better feedback....

Best wishes

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