Assaulted at work

wondercollie

Still in physical therapy and have had the words "rotator cuff injury" mentioned more than once.

I've thought about laying charges but you know what will happen. It'll be the "she's old, was confused, limited English" story.

We're in a no-win situation. Nursing truly sucks and I've talked my sons out of it.

wrightk

working in 'care' and working with vulnerable people who are likely to attack you on a regular basis are two different kettle of fish. the two key words here are secure and hospital. the people who are in these establishments are there because they present a danger to themselves/public. so why would the risk inside the hospital be any different?
Im not saying attacks are acceptable because they clearly are not however the large majority of people i have worked with before (some on a 5 staff to 1 client ratio!) including myself know the risks, are suitably trained to reflect this risk and have proper procedures in place to deal with incidents of this nature.

If there wasn't 'risk' involved with secure hospitals they wouldnt be secure, and whats the other option, drug them up to the eyeballs? Is that fair on the person that you care for?

Fleabag

I think what I find alarming is more the lack of appropriate response immediately after the assault. I would've thought no-one should be expected to go back to duties after an assault, even if there are no serious injuries - partly due to the staff member's emotional wellebing, but also because they can't be sure that the individual isn't seriously injured.
After the first incident, an incident report and updated risk assessment should've been completed immediately. A good risk assessment should've addressed the triggers and consequences of the first attack individually and updated the risk management to minimise the risks. Of course you can't eliminate in a risky environment, but by increasing staffing, updating training etc the risks of further incidents, and of potential harm, can be reduced.
If I had a staff member who was assaulted, I would remove them from the front line immediately - even if they didn't need treatment, I wouldn't expect them to finish the shift - and certainly not return to the individual who's just assaulted them.

wondercollie

Hey, went I went down to our emergency department, I was told "well, well, first staff assault of the day).

Our management would never remove you from the floor. We're too short staffed.

Firefox1975

Of course they should / prepare / be trained to expect an assault! these people they deal with are not well and it is an unfortunate side effect of their illness that they are prone to violent uncontrolled outbursts!

people who become employed in these positions should be made 100% clear about this when they accept the role. If it isn't a situation they are comfortable dealing with then they are not suitable for the job and should look for employment elsewhere for the benefit of their own health and the patients requirements aswell.

dandelionclock30

At the end of the day nobody will give a toss about you and the distress you sufferred.They will just be bothered about covering their own backs.
Your best bet is to look for other work doing something where the risk of this is much less. In all care settings, not just secure hospitals you can get physically or verbally abused.Its not just people with a history of it, anyone can flip. Obviously the chances are greater at a secure hospital.
Is there any reason why you cant look for another job?.

ohreally

Read through HSG 220 - available from HSE website...

Managing violence to staff is covered by the general duties of the HSW Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Employers and staff should not accept aggression/violence as an unavoidable occupational hazard but establish systems to prevent or reduce aggressive behaviour to employees by service users, their relatives or friends.