Chad Gardner

Nurse2033, we are basically there. Admin still wants us to have a PA give a quick blessing. I am curious how your admin views EMTALA on this matter.

Hahaha... your right emtb2rn. The initial question was wheather or not you are alowed to hit someone first in self defense. I was just trying to give an example of acceptable self defense by striking first.

Sorry, this was meant to be a tag on someone else's thread. I think this is a sign I need to go to bed.

This has been a question asked by almost all ER nurses at some point and the honest answer is.... it depends on your situation, and on the state you live in. I live in Indiana and Indiana has "no retreat" laws. Basically this gives me a reasonable way of defending myself, even as an ER nurse. HOWEVER, the facts of the situation come into play. Situation 1: If I am in triage and a man approaches me and raises a gun to my face, I have every reasonable right to punch him first in self defense. Situation 2: If an 85 year old lady who is 105 lbs raises her cane to hit me. I DO NOT have a reasonable right to punch her first in self defense. These two situations are rather clear cut, but I hope you get the idea. In any case, in most states, your employer still has the right to discipline or fire you. Always use your words first and leave a clear path of retreat. Know where your panic buttons are and how best to inform hospital security or your local law enforcement. Hope this helps.

Our ER is constantly increasing in patient visits, as are most ER's. Does anyone know if it is an EMTALA violation to remove sutures by a nurse without a medical screening by a "medical provider." A protocol would be in place for wound description and documentation of suture removal. Simply put does an emergency room patient with a chief complaint of suture removal have to see a MD, PA, or NP.