The thing is-my boss fought for me but our HR department didn't think it was a "big deal." My nose was broken and I was off work for 4 days and told if I wanted to receive workers comp, I had to miss 8 work days (i work 12's so that's a LOT of days). I'm now having some sinus issues and migraine issues that we're having a difficult time getting covered by workers comp.
I've learned to get the hell out of the way when patients get combative--although--i thought I was out of the way at the head of the bed the last time but apparently that wasn't quite out of foot shot!
i too have learned to stay out of the way - when i was newer to ed nursing i was in the middle of the scuffle but now after being kicked in the head, grabbed by a drunk guy who would not let go and others, i have learned that it is not worth it. i recently had shoulder surgery which was most likely due to catching a patient that had a syncopal episode while trying to stand. he was a lot taller and heavier than i and i foolishly thought i could catch him! i would definitely think twice how i handle any of those situations...i am much too small in comparison to most patients to abuse my body the way i have in the past. i am certainly paying for it now. oh and by the way, workman's comp did not cover it either. :)
I absolutely feel that it should be a felony. I was beaten by another employee's husband when I tried to stop him from beating her. He held us hostage for 45 minutes before PD arrived--and then he managed to escape and has still not been found--and it's been since 9/2007. Of course, the hospital blamed me for "sticking my nose where it didn't belong" and my shoulder is now torn up from the repeated blows I received, so I'm being punished while he is running the streets.
I was assaulted by a pt.(17 yr old high on cocaine) a little over 2 yrs. ago.
I was out of work for almost a year. He tore the ligaments in my wrist of course my dominant hand. I was covered by workers comp. I did press charges!!!
The biggest problem I have is PTDS I left the ED (Peds) because I would have panic attacks if anyone started yelling etc. I still live in fear because his mother threated to come back with a gun and take me out. Security said not to worry she was just blowing off her mouth!
I went back to my safe home PICU and feel much better. But I still watch my back.
In the past our hospital encouraged nurses who were assaulted to not press charges! This has changed; and I assure you that our CNM has stated that we have a NO VIOLENCE TOLERATED policy. We are to filed charges if we are assaulted by a patient or a visitor.
One of my co workers on night shift was choke out by a combative drug seeker. He was fully in his right mind. He was angry because he wanted more diluadid and it wasn't time. He had been a problem for 3 days but was getting more out of control and our security was very scared of him.
After the nurse went to ER she wanted to call police. The nurse supervisor said she cant call police on a patient. Long story short police were never called and the patient got what he wanted.
Specializes in Burnout & Resiliency Coaching for Nurses.
I have been hit, nearly bitten so many times by confused patients, and since they are not in their right mind I am uncertain. If I was assaulted by a patient in their right mind or family member I would press charges. Although at my hospital we are all required to take CPI (restraints) to help protect ourselves for such incidents.
I recently had a "gentleman" who used every opportunity to kick, cuss, scratch at me. I seriously think it was a racial thing, but after I told him I would not tolerate his behavior and I WOULD file charges on his A++ so that as soon as he was d/c from our facility he would go straight to central booking...he chilled out some.
Specializes in Paediatrics, Orthopeodics, ENT, General.
PLEASE GET THIS MESSAGE ACROSS TO AUSTRALIAN HOSPITALS, that assault on a doctor, nurse or other medical personnel should be treated the same as assault on a police officer!!!
Here in Oz, the assaulted employee lays charges personally by going to the police station after work!! Even if police are called to the hospital during an incident, it does not guarantee charges laid unless they make an arrest on the spot.
NO FAIR!!! It's almost seen as being a wuss if a nurse takes action after being hit, unless of course, there is significant physical injury sustained.
PLEASE GET THIS MESSAGE ACROSS TO AUSTRALIAN HOSPITALS, that assault on a doctor, nurse or other medical personnel should be treated the same as assault on a police officer!!!
Here in Oz, the assaulted employee lays charges personally by going to the police station after work!! Even if police are called to the hospital during an incident, it does not guarantee charges laid unless they make an arrest on the spot.
NO FAIR!!! It's almost seen as being a wuss if a nurse takes action after being hit, unless of course, there is significant physical injury sustained.
Do you think as an Austrailian that this is a cultural thing? What I mean by that is I am American and I perceive Aussies as very tough, witty, and intelligent. I am just wonder if it is cultural that Aussies see themselves as wussies if they don't take the punch and "roll with it" so to speak.
That being said I think it's time that Aussies should take some legislative action and get some laws and mindsets changed. No deserves to be hit. As for signifcant injury some things that don't look bad at the time turn into life long nightmares. Sorta like boxers, it didn't look bad back in the day but look at poor Mohammad Ali now. Or look at American football players sometimes one good tackle is all it takes to destroy a career. I don't see why nurses anywheres should have to put up with any more then any other career choice.
MeeshellRN
9 Posts
Thank you so much for your support!
The thing is-my boss fought for me but our HR department didn't think it was a "big deal." My nose was broken and I was off work for 4 days and told if I wanted to receive workers comp, I had to miss 8 work days (i work 12's so that's a LOT of days). I'm now having some sinus issues and migraine issues that we're having a difficult time getting covered by workers comp.
I've learned to get the hell out of the way when patients get combative--although--i thought I was out of the way at the head of the bed the last time but apparently that wasn't quite out of foot shot!