Nurse Assaults and Workplace Violence: The Shocking Reality

Working as a nurse can be a challenging and demanding profession, with countless stories of experiences ranging from physical and verbal assaults to life-threatening situations. One nurse, who has only been on the job for a year and a half, shares her harrowing experiences in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU).

From Verbal to Physical Assaults

My work as a nurse has involved more than just providing medical care; it has also included facing physical and verbal assaults on a nearly daily basis. One memorable incident involving a particularly aggressive patient directly threatened my life. He stared into my eyes and taunted me with the question, 'Which fist do you want, left or right?' I quickly replied, 'Sir, don’t even think about it, I will strap you to the bed in a heartbeat.' Without hesitation, I followed through with my word, ensuring the patient remained securely restrained in a bed with four-point restraints.

The Constant Threat in the Emergency Room

The Emergency Room (ER) is a hotbed of tension and danger. Every nurse I know has experienced assault of some kind, and in some cases, it has even resulted in permanent brain damage and, sadly, death. I attend to patients who not only pose physical threats but often go as far as threatening the lives of medical staff. There have even been instances where police officers were assaulted in the ER, which is, in itself, quite concerning.

ICU Challenges and Dedicated Targets

While the situation is less dire in hospital floors, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is where some of the most extreme situations arise. Aggressive patients and their families can turn the atmosphere toxic, and in many cases, the patients themselves become the 'designated targets.' In the ER, physical assaults are more common, where patients attempt to rush past triage or through ambulance bay doors. In the ICU, they often try to outsmart the staff by masquerading as medical professionals. This tactic is risky for the patient, as it often results in their discovery and subsequent restraint.

Gender Disparity and Bias

One of the most frustrating aspects of my job is the gender disparity and bias that medical staff, particularly nurses, often face. Male nurses are frequently assigned to handle the most aggressive and dangerous patients. Yet, even when a male nurse does get physically attacked, the police and legal system are less likely to take his side. Additionally, if a nurse defends themselves, they are often immediately fired, even if the force used was reasonable and necessary. This contrasts sharply with the way doctors are treated; if a doctor engages in self-defense, they receive praise and support.

Training and Instincts

Nurse training programs often include mandatory safety training, which includes tactics for handling assault. The training emphasizes rolling up into a ball and screaming for help if fleeing is not an option. One instructor even advises against using any force, warning that the result could be death or serious injury. These seminars often show disturbing videos of actual attacks as examples, with the implication that the nurse should resign rather than endure such treatment again.

Key Takeaways

Physical and Verbal Assaults are common in the ER and ICU. Gender bias puts male nurses at higher risk and often results in harsher treatment by authorities. Self-defense practices often discourage nurses from using force, despite the potential for severe injury or death. Legal repercussions for both nurses and patients who engage in violent behavior can be very different.

In conclusion, the daily struggles of a nurse extend far beyond the provision of care. The safety and support of nurses are critical and must be addressed to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. If you or a colleague have experienced such incidents, consider seeking professional support and guidance.