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AIBU?

To not tolerate being punched in the face?

66 replies

featherbag · 17/03/2013 18:16

I've just been punched in the face whilst at work (Nurse)! I'm gobsmacked! I've had the person arrested and charged, but I've been made to feel (by some colleagues) that an internal incident form would've sufficed. I disagree, I was doing my job in a professional friendly manner as always, why should this ever be thought of as an acceptable risk of going to work? I'm livid!

OP posts:
Bearcrumble · 17/03/2013 18:18

You're absolutely in the right. I hope it doesn't hurt too much.

Pilfette · 17/03/2013 18:19

I thought the NHS has a 'zero tolerance' policy re violence? Apols if you're not NHS but if you are, IMO, you did the right thing. I hope you're ok Sad

SomethingProfound · 17/03/2013 18:21

YANBU in any way shape or form, you have the right to work without fear or threat of violence, if it does arise then personally I feel you have a duty to report it, as people who behave in this manner need to be sent a strong message that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

Your colleagues should be supporting your decision, and you.

Hope your ok.

SilverSnake · 17/03/2013 18:21

It is never acceptable to be hit. You did the right thing.

You are a nurse not a fucking punching bag. It is never ok.

Hope you feel better soon (hugs)

Floggingmolly · 17/03/2013 18:21

Of course you were right, and when it happens to your colleagues; you can bet they'll sing a different tune. Hope you're ok.

featherbag · 17/03/2013 18:22

I'm NHS - zero tolerance is a nice idea but doesn't often happen. Thanks for your concern, I'm fine, just really cross!

OP posts:
YouTheCat · 17/03/2013 18:22

Why would it be an 'internal incident'?

Abra1d · 17/03/2013 18:23

YANBU.

Flossiechops · 17/03/2013 18:23

God feather that's horrendous, I am a nurse too and would have done exactly the same - just because you are at work shouldn't mean it's ok to be assaulted. I'm Angry on your behalf, apart from the shock are you injured?

AndFanjoWasHisNameO · 17/03/2013 18:23

Hmm You have a responsibility to your more normal colleagues to see thus through . I don't give a fuck if they were in pain/on drugs/upset. We make certain allowances for these instances but we are NOT accepting this. Hope you're ok x

SpicyPear · 17/03/2013 18:24

YANBU - it's not an internal incident, it's a serious criminal offence.

featherbag · 17/03/2013 18:25

Not really injured, tiny bruise on my cheek but I'm honestly fine. The bruise to my pride is much bigger!

OP posts:
youmeatsix · 17/03/2013 18:25

Do not let your colleagues make you feel like this, there are still PLENTY of us who admire and respect nurses completley

ditavonteesed · 17/03/2013 18:26

never ok to be hit, hope your ok, and well done for doing the right thing.

FarelyKnuts · 17/03/2013 18:26

Of course it was assault and should be reported to the police. Are you ok? I hope you are not too badly injured?

It doesn't matter what your job is, it should not be a requirement that you be assaulted and deal with it through "internal measures" only. Though you must go through those as well of course. And be warned as a friendly word of advice, make sure you document EVERYTHING, in my experience of being in a similar situation your employer will think nothing of throwing you under a bus if it limits their liability!

EllaFitzgerald · 17/03/2013 18:28

Good for you. The sort of people that do this sort of thing need to understand that there are consequences to their actions and internal incident forms will not teach them that. I'm surprised at the lack of support from your colleagues. Hope you're ok.

KatyTheCleaningLady · 17/03/2013 18:29

Someone punched you? It's nobody else's business if you call the fucking police! That's crazy.

I hope you are OK.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 17/03/2013 18:29

Brew Hope you're OK feather

So... the colleagues who say that. Presumably you can punch them and then just explain to them that an accident form will suffice?

Lifeisontheup · 17/03/2013 18:29

Hope you're ok OP, I've been kicked in the face at work (NHS ambulance) and although they say there's zero tolerance management seem reluctant to support us. It's the same for racial insults etc.

I really hope you get the justice you deserve, it's a difficult enough job without being attacked.

SparklyAntlersInMyDecorating · 17/03/2013 18:31

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hiddenhome · 17/03/2013 18:33

Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry. I'm a nurse too, but work with elderly care, so not much physical violence, but I think if anyone punched me I'd probably punch them back as an instant reaction Blush

You did the right thing by reporting them and having them arrested. Violence towards people who are trying too help you is just sickening.

Wishiwasanheiress · 17/03/2013 18:35

So sorry u had this hope u are ok. YANBU of course and ur colleagues who voted against cops are obviously morons.

bulletwithbutterflywings · 17/03/2013 18:36

Was the person NT? The only reason I ask is because if they weren't maybe that is why your colleagues thought it should be dealt with internally.

bulletwithbutterflywings · 17/03/2013 18:38

Sorry I should clarify, I used to work in a care home for adults with learning disabilities and staff were often assaulted and there was never an incident where police were called.

LastTangoInDevonshire · 17/03/2013 18:41

I'm with bullet - clarification needed from the OP.

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