When patients attack

mentalhealthRN · Jan 8, 2011

Nope. Been a nurse for almost 8 years and 3 of those in psych, 8-weeks (travel) in a high security state prison and though I have been involved in hundereds of restraints--I have never been "attacked" or injured.

tokebi · Jan 8, 2011

Several times... by confused patients with dementia. I was never injured though. Even if I were, what can be done? They're confused. As for real hostile patients, gosh, I wouldn't have any idea how to react...

systoly · Jan 8, 2011

Several times, but I tip the scale well into the three digits so I usually have to be more concerned about the patient's safety. The very first time was during clinical rotation in the ER. The guy was high on something and started hitting and kicking. I bear hugged him and he ended up in 4 way leather. I try to dodge or block flying objects and biting. The one time I did get hurt a little was from a 90 lbs, 100 year old lady who managed to stick her fist right into my eye. My bad for using the wrong approach. I was kicked in the chest one time by an unhappy med surg customer. I told him if he did that again I'd sit on him until his transfer to the psych ward and he apologized.

tablefor9, RN · Jan 8, 2011

Other than having my eye dotted by a 104 year old gentleman who was not too thrilled with the Haldol shot (yeah, I know)...haven't ever been assaulted.

Threatened, TNTC. But not assaulted.

systoly · Jan 8, 2011

Other than having my eye dotted by a 104 year old gentleman who was not too thrilled with the Haldol shot (yeah, I know)...haven't ever been assaulted.
Threatened, TNTC. But not assaulted.

You gotta love it when there's that much spunk left in 'em.

Mandychelle79, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2011

Geriatric patient, standing on a gerichair like a surf board. got patient sat down then then caught a punch spraining my wrist.

sevensonnets · Jan 8, 2011

Twice in 32 years. The first time a confused patient (actually a retired MD) punched me in the abdomen. Took a long time to get another breath. The other time my dialysis patient punched me in the jaw. His reach was limited however by the automatic blood pressure on his arm and his fist just slid along my jaw. It left a red mark but it didn't even hurt. Would've broken my jaw if he'd made full contact.

tokebi · Jan 8, 2011

Several times, but I tip the scale well into the three digits so I usually have to be more concerned about the patient's safety. The very first time was during clinical rotation in the ER. The guy was high on something and started hitting and kicking. I bear hugged him and he ended up in 4 way leather. I try to dodge or block flying objects and biting. The one time I did get hurt a little was from a 90 lbs, 100 year old lady who managed to stick her fist right into my eye. My bad for using the wrong approach. I was kicked in the chest one time by an unhappy med surg customer. I told him if he did that again I'd sit on him until his transfer to the psych ward and he apologized.

I wish I had your size so I could just sit on them when I'm out of ideas! Nursing actually made my smallness-complex even worse, because I'm often treated like a kid rather than a "professional." Now I realize the bigger problem is that I'd go flying if I ever get kicked!

noahsmama · Jan 8, 2011

I've had a few toddlers try to kick or bite me, but when your attacker only weighs 30 pounds and is less than 3 feet tall, it's not really all that scary. :)

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Jan 8, 2011

Several times. Worst was a drunk female as we were trying to restrain her, just took aim and gave me a face full of foot. No broken bones, no uglier than before. Tried to file charges, cops blew it off.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2011

Any LTC nurse can verifiy this.

The smaller the little old lady, the more it hurts when they hit, kick, bite, slap, and/ or punch you.