Poll: Have you been assaulted on the job?

[nighttech, CNA]

Healthcare workers shouldn't be punching bags. I've been punched in the eye. I thought I'd make a poll to see how common this is

[HiddenAngels]

I was directly punched in the arm by a confused patient.

My coworkers and I were kicked and hit trying to stop someone from getting out of bed and falling.. and

I've walked in and left after seeing a pt having inappropriate undercover movements..

that's all

My goodness punched in the eye.  What does worker's comp have to say about that.

[abbnurse]

Hello nighttech -  

    For years, I worked  in one of the first facilities in my city that was devoted to caring for patients with a dx. of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.  It was quite a new concept at the time, as prior to that, patients dx'd with dementia were often medicated ( sedated) and restrained virtually 24 / 7.  In this new facility, there were zero restraints (such as Posey vests) , and PRN medications for "behaviors" were not often used. 

     It was VERY common for staff to be assaulted by confused patients. Personally I have been bitten ( it's amazing how much it can hurt, to be bitten by someone with no teeth!),  choked with my stethoscope ( I stopped wearing it around my neck after that),   had hair pulled ,  been scratched and kicked.     

    One STNA had his shoulder dislocated,  and a nurse on my unit sustained  serious injuries after a very confused patient picked up a ( heavy ) pill crusher and hit the nurse in the  back of the head  and hit again a bit lower, fracturing vertebrae C-6,  C-7, and T - 1.     

     I hope your eye is OK !   

abbnurse  🤗  

[olddog]

40+ years here, really glad to see that assaulting medical staff is becoming "not acceptable".

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Dodged a few blows from combative old ladies with dementia over the years.  

Does getting you backside massaged by a trached and vented older gentleman with a lecherous grin during suctioning on night shift count too?  His wife was at bedside 12hrs on day/eve. Stat ABGS done and vent settings adjusted.   Sheepish demeanor next night. 

I attended hearing in Harrisburg this Spring as my PA Representative Leanne Kruger sponsored HB 926 Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, passed House now in the Senate for consideration.  3rd session such legislation has been introduced in PA without passage.