I am a nurse in an ER that can be (like others, no doubt) both busy and stressful. Last night while working a clerk (I'll call him "G") was talking in a very negative manner about another co-worker who was not there. He was also speaking very loudly. I told him he was speaking loud and that everyone could hear his conversation, that's all I said. This person went off the chain with no warning. He started yelling at me using the most vulgar profanity and told me to "get the F out of my F face." I told him I was at my duty station where I was suppose to be (he was not at his.) I guess that didn't help much and I then added that I was not going to be spoke to that way. I was upset. shocked and surprised but not angry. Then he said "I should beat your F'ing A55." I apologize for the language. I'm not a prude, I hear cursing daily but that doesn't mean I like it. I am just trying to relay the shock and surrealism that hit me and try to give you a glimpse of this persons mental state. After saying that he should beat me he started to stand and I thought "this man is going to hit me" and I took a step back while someone yelled at the guy to stop. I then removed myself from this mans immediate area. This was witnessed by several people. One who was quick to tell me that if this man got fired he would lose his pension.
A few facts:
-This person is nearing retirement age but is a big guy, much bigger then me.
-I've told my significant other that if anything ever happened at work, like G bringing in a gun and shooting the place up, people knew he was off and did nothing about it. I said this years ago and recently, BEFORE this happened.
-I have seen "G" go off on one of the nursing supervisor, cursing her out but not as nastily as he did me.
-This person is putting in 60 to 80 hours a week because of lack of help.
-"G" is nearing retirement age.
- "G" is a hard working, doing above and beyond what his job calls for and is always willing to help out and lend a hand.
-"G" is also very high strung and anxious.
I was going to let this go but my sig other was very upset when I tried to talk to her about this. She said I should report him. But I am not sure if this is work place violence or not or if that even matters. And my co-works frown on getting management involved in any problems. Now that I think about it, and I can't think of anything else, I feel I should do something but I'm not sure what. I don't want an apology and I don't want punitive actions against "G". He needs help and I am worried about my safety. I am not worried about being hit or "beat up." I am concerning about being shot, stabbed or killed. I am not a wimp but I am worried that I may be labeled as one should I report "G". But things are different now days. People don't just have words or even fight and then drop it anymore. You hear about someone coming back with a knife or gun and shooting up the place. And if I thought this about G before, I can't help but wonder what he may do now.
Should I tell "G" that if he gets help I will drop it other wise I'll file a complaint? Soooo, confused on what to do. I want to be sure whatever I do, it is for the right reason and not for any petty impulses or childish hurt feelings.
I've gotten some intelligent and thoughtful responses to some other posts so I hope some of you here may have some words of wisdom or advice to help me now.
