I was thinking about workplace violence again last night
as I dealt with what seemed like my 10th irrational patient of the night
with their unrealistic expectations about their perceived complaint
which they had been seen for in the past
and for which they had yet to follow any
of the recommendations we had given.
As they trounced out the door, calling back over their shoulder
how much the hospital sucked, the staff sucked, and how
I had treated them so badly, thoughts of going out the door
at the end of my shift to find my car vandalized,
tires flat, windows broken, or even worse
to be faced with a verbal confrontation outside of the hospital
began to fill my head.
There's a reason I don't go shopping at the local grocery store.
But, even those random thoughts that I've had from time to time
couldn't prepare me for the news headlines when I awoke
later this morning:
The Brigham in Boston.
I spent a glorious year training in the care of
critical cardiac surgery patients.
I was a junior fellow, and I came to find out that
my senior fellow from that time was shot today.
Another example of healthcare workplace violence.
And it scares me.
It scares me to think that healthcare workers get
yelled at
menaced
assaulted
and shot
because someone didn't like the outcome,
or the treatment plan;
whether their own or a family members.
And, that those of us who dedicate our lives to helping
and healing others might become victims because
of something that is sometimes completely out of our hands.
My prayers are with my colleague and their family.
And, my prayers are for the staff at the Brigham
who have to continue to work
despite this tragedy
which hit a lot too close to home
this morning.
**Updated at 1900 PST. I was just informed by one of the RNs
that Mike died from his injuries. My heart is heavy with the
news and full of sadness for his family.
