Violence against nurses

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am working to get a piece of legislation passed in Oregon that would permit nurses who are assaulted in the line of duty to press charges against the perpetrator, even if they are a patient. There are ER nurses who have been assaulted, psych nurses who have been beaten up, and their work site has been resistant to bringing charges. The stated reason is that they want to avoid negative publicity, but there is also the unstated expectation that the nurse working with people with a history of violence should "expect to be hit once in a while." I need nurses who have been assaulted at work to write or e-mail their legislator and tell their story. ONA is supporting this legislation, but if there is not alot of support for it, it may not make it to a vote. The Hospital Association is in opposition, and they have big time lobbiests to use. Speak up and raise the level of workplace safety for all nurses. Thanks.

[kadokin, ASN, RN]

I am working to get a piece of legislation passed in Oregon that would permit nurses who are assaulted in the line of duty to press charges against the perpetrator, even if they are a patient. There are ER nurses who have been assaulted, psych nurses who have been beaten up, and their work site has been resistant to bringing charges. The stated reason is that they want to avoid negative publicity, but there is also the unstated expectation that the nurse working with people with a history of violence should "expect to be hit once in a while." I need nurses who have been assaulted at work to write or e-mail their legislator and tell their story. ONA is supporting this legislation, but if there is not alot of support for it, it may not make it to a vote. The Hospital Association is in opposition, and they have big time lobbiests to use. Speak up and raise the level of workplace safety for all nurses. Thanks.

Why do you need special legislation? If you are assaulted, report it. I have HEARD OF (but never actually witnessed in person) actual nurses doing this. I work in Psych. I have been actually hit maybe once/twice and it wasn't from someone who had any control over themselves and it didn't cause any damage. Actual assault (as I understand it-a threat of harm) has happpened to me numerous times, but these pt's tend to regret their actions once they are medicated and in their right mind. I have always believed, though, that I had an option to press charges if I wished. Is there a law that would prevent that? Just asking.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Many states already have this in place. I live in IL and it is a felony to assault a healthcare worker either in the hospital or pre-hospital. And...we pursue prosecution.

[husker-nurse, LPN, LVN]

I have been advised by our security staff to fill out a police report and press charges if this ever happens; altho I'm not too sure if it'll get anywhere.......

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

Why do you need special legislation? If you are assaulted, report it. I have HEARD OF (but never actually witnessed in person) actual nurses doing this. I work in Psych. I have been actually hit maybe once/twice and it wasn't from someone who had any control over themselves and it didn't cause any damage. Actual assault (as I understand it-a threat of harm) has happpened to me numerous times, but these pt's tend to regret their actions once they are medicated and in their right mind. I have always believed, though, that I had an option to press charges if I wished. Is there a law that would prevent that? Just asking.

There is no law preventing the reporting of such. The problem for Oregon nurses, especially in locked facilities is that they have been told by the police and the DAs that there is no reason to press charges, as the perpitrator is already locked up. This leaves the victim doubly victimized.

[Loverpuppy]

Hi. I finally figured out how to log on this site. I've been reading here for several months but this is my first post. I really don't have anything to say at this point but look forward to being part of the site.

[Loverpuppy]

I am a psych nurse in OR. In the past we have not been encouraged to file charges if assulted by patients. Things are changing in my facility with the support of our union.

[grannyNan]

I am working to get a piece of legislation passed in Oregon that would permit nurses who are assaulted in the line of duty to press charges against the perpetrator, even if they are a patient. There are ER nurses who have been assaulted, psych nurses who have been beaten up, and their work site has been resistant to bringing charges. The stated reason is that they want to avoid negative publicity, but there is also the unstated expectation that the nurse working with people with a history of violence should "expect to be hit once in a while." I need nurses who have been assaulted at work to write or e-mail their legislator and tell their story. ONA is supporting this legislation, but if there is not alot of support for it, it may not make it to a vote. The Hospital Association is in opposition, and they have big time lobbiests to use. Speak up and raise the level of workplace safety for all nurses. Thanks.

I applaud your efforts but the decision to "press charges" is strictly up to the DA. Legislation will likey not change because the DA's will argue that they are already overwhelmed with crimminal cases and could not possibly prosicute and win. I agree you should always report it to the police and your facility. I wish I could give you a better answer.

[ginger58, ASN, RN]

I wish you luck in your efforts. I have never been assaulted but I feel no one in a hospital (or anywhere) should be assaulted by a patient. I believe some of our ER nurses have filed assault charges.

I have a police scanner and every night police are being called to the ER. I have to give you ER people a lot of credit.

[errn50]

I was curious about what other ER's are doing to protect their nurses from violence from patirnts and families? What are your procedures to help protect your staff?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

There is no law preventing the reporting of such. The problem for Oregon nurses, especially in locked facilities is that they have been told by the police and the DAs that there is no reason to press charges, as the perpitrator is already locked up. This leaves the victim doubly victimized.

That's ridiculous, and a malfeasance of duty.

Does that also apply if a prisoner attacks a police officer , guard, or the DISTRICT ATTORNEY that happens to be there to take a statement?

I think not.

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

California has a good law, AB508, that covers that. Perhaps you can find it on-line.