Targeted by psychotic, manipulative patient

[HM7380]

I work in a LTC/Rehab facility. There is a patient there who does NOT belong (she is 65 and has absolutely nothing physically wrong with her). However, she is homeless, and because of the money grubbing higher ups, they won't discharge her. She is psychologically disturbed (though not diagnosed as such), and has targeted myself and one of my CNAs. She was able to have the CNA suspended pending an investigation due to a complete BS allegation of abuse, and she said shes coming for my job next. (She also stated to me that she knew what to say and what to do, to have me fired and my license taken.) On Sunday, she spit in my face, and trapped me in a bathroom and tried to punch me... Shes one of my patients, so I can't keep COMPLETELY away from her, though I do have another nurse take her her medication, etc. The patient hovers at her door and waits until I come down the hall, then jumps out in front of me and begins verbally abusing me, screaming, and threatening me. I really am at a loss as to what to do. I've made reports. I've filed grievences. I've had all the staff who witness her terrifying behavior write statements...

My question is... is there anything else I can do? I'm sure if it wasn't me she was targeting, it would be someone else, but to let this nutcase spit in my face and take a swing at my head is absurd. How would you handle it? It's getting to the point where I'm afraid to go to work. She really DOES know how to work the system and get the staff in trouble. She comes up with stories to try and pit the staff against each other, and because until shes targeted YOU, she seems like a somewhat off, but mostly together 65 year old woman.

This is the second time shes been at my facility... The first time they kicked her out for assaulting another resident. However, I'm sure they won't do anything if she assaults a nurse (I've been assaulted by another patient, and they told me that if I couldn't handle being attacked, to hit the door.)

Any suggestions as to what I can do?????? I've got to find a way to get this lady out of my facility before she attacks me or another resident again!!!!

[clinicalteach]

Congratulations on only having one more week!I'm rooting for you!

[CapricaNurse]

If you have done everything you rationally can do about this, I'd say find another place to work. Its not fair that you should have to, but as we all know all too well, the world isn't fair. I'm very sorry this happened to you - and very hopeful that you are able to come to use your talents and gifts in a place that treats you better. With this economy its reasonable to say I can't afford to quit, but 1- You can't afford to get hurt and possibly put out of work for some indefinite period, and 2- Your mental health and quality of life are very valuable, and 3- You can job-hunt and not quit the old place till you have a firm offer from the new place. You are being terrorized and abused, its not right and it sounds like it may not be changeable. You deserve to be treated better. Plus, you win: She is going to be staying in a place that is toxic (as any place she stays sounds like it becomes), while you are free to give yourself the gift of a better quality of life.