Saw something that really disturbed me tonight

Nurses General Nursing

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i was at the mall shopping with some friends this evening and witnessed something that looking back now, i wish i had stopped and said something.

there was a girl shopping with a group of guys swarming around her. at first, i didnt think anything of it, until one of them said hello to me. i realized he was mentally challenged. this girl was taking them out from a group home or something and decided to use them as clothes racks to hold her items at express.

the girl was in front of me in line. she payed and walked out with 4 guys, who were all presumably under her care, as they were noticeably handicapped. i assume she was a hab tech or cna or something equal to that.

i payed for my items and walked out to see the girl and her residents standing in the aisle. she loudly barked to one of them "tie my shoe". he obidiently bent down and attemped to tie her shoe while she obnioxiously stood there and smacker her gum and twirled her hair. when it took him longer than she liked, she kicked him in the jaw and said "get up, retard." she then pointed to another one of the guys and said "you, tie my shoe". he then bent down and tied her shoe. they walked away, each one carrying some of her shopping bags while she continued talking on her cell phone. my friends and i followed a few feet behind. she began huffing loudly when they asked her to stop for dinner. she was taking advantage of these men. i assume she was supposed to be taking them on an outing. she was more than capable to bend down and tie her shoes and carry her items.

it made me want to cry. but i was not going to start a fight with this girl in the middle of the mall and now i wish i would have. i saw them in the parking lot getting into a big van and i wondered where they were going and how much longer they would have to deal with this mean girl.

i know i shouldnt judge because i dont know the whole story. but these men were visibly handicapped and she was so disgusting to them. i am mad at myself for not saying something.

would you have?

Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

I would feel bad to and have in many situations over the years where I felt I should have said something. Don't beat yourself up. If it is possible to report it now, I would do so. It will help the residents, and ease your mind.

I don't do well with confrontation either.

Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

Ugg, that's just rawly inhumane. I don't know if saying anything to her would have changed things, however videotaping her behavior and sending it to her boss would have surely reaped a just reward for her.

I truly love the mentally retarded and hate to hear of such abuse; however, I am also well aware of abusive attitudes at the hospitals I've worked at.

There is a group home up here called "The Mountain Jewel Ranch" and the "jewels" are the disabled "ranchers".

They would never be treated that way and are part of our community. They go to sports events at the local high school, plays, musical events, etc.

I would try to report this to someone who could give you advice. I'm so sorry this happened.

steph

Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

I also was going to mention that most public places are videotaped. If reported to the proper authorities those tapes could be uncovered.

Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.

Before i was a nurse I saw something on a bus that to this day I regret not doing anything. A mother was slapping her very young daughter about the face calling her a sl*t. I did nothing because at the time I felt the mother would have probably attacked me but I still wish I did something.

I agree that what you have described should be reported. Hopefully there are videotapes of the girl, and her licence plate number.

Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

Many years ago, before I became a nurse, I worked in a group home.

I never witnessed or heard of anything like what you described. It is absolutely unacceptable. This woman is getting PAID for her actions!

Please don't feel bad about not approaching this girl. Confrontation most likely would not have been benefical to those in her care.

As others have mentioned, perhaps you could call the mall security (who have video) to report what you saw?

Good luck to you. :heartbeat

I would have taken a picture of it or video. Most cell phones have those capabilities. Then I would have shown it to the police, along with a plate number. You could bypass the police but you don't know where she works.

Specializes in SRNA.
it was a plain white van. i can give a really accurate description of the girl as well as the time i purchased my dress at express since i didnt throw the receipt away.

If she paid with a debit/credit card, the merchant can find a record of that and get her name if a report is filed...especially since she was ahead of you in line and you know the time of your transaction.

Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I would call the police, make a police report, and leave it up to that...

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
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i know i shouldnt judge because i dont know the whole story. but these men were visibly handicapped and she was so disgusting to them. i am mad at myself for not saying something.

would you have?

Oh yes indeed--I would have tried to strike up a friendly conversation with her or someone in the group to find out where they lived.If I was unable to could get the info I would have followed them and gotten their license number and then actually followed their car-then I would report her-to the police and to the owners of the facility..She did not hesitate to kick that poor guy in the jaw in public-who knows what is going on in their housing.

Specializes in Neuro/ Tele;home health; Neuro ICU.

you may try to talk to security service at the mall, there should be installed camera so you would be able to identify the girl. also town police department may ask for tape to be released for investigation as you pressed charges.

you are doing right thing by reporting it and following up. :up:

Nasty. People can be so cruel

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