How safe do you feel at work?



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Filed under : Featured, Hospital

A woman at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston was allegedly assaulted inside the hospital building recent by a Level 3 sex offender, according to an article in the Boston Globe.

The man was arrested and charged with assault with intent to rape and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. According to the Globe, the woman was attacked but no sexual assault occurred.

The article doesn’t state whether the woman was an employee, a patient, or a visitor, but I have to wonder how often nurses worry about physical or sexual assault. The emergency department is often a source of violence, but what about the entire hospital? Do you feel safe where you work? Is security adequate? What more could be done?

Post a comment below let your voice be heard.

About the Author
Tami Swartz is an associate editor at HCPro, Inc. She edits stressedoutnurses.com, as well as books, audio conferences and newsletters in the safety, accreditation, patient safety, and nursing markets. Contact Tami by e-mailing tswartz@hcpro.com

Tami Swartz

2 Responses to “How safe do you feel at work?”

  1. Rosanne Gear Says:

    A patient asked if I would go out with him and when I responded that I could not he started to terrorize my staff and other patients. He became a threat to himself and others. He made our life a living hell!

  2. Kristen Swartz Says:

    Seeing how I work at the media hospital of the month I feel compelled to answer this. I have never felt unsafe at work. Even with the recent events at Mass General I have complete faith our security team. I do not, however, have faith in the patients. Every and any threat should be taken seriously. I would have no hesitation in asking security to come to the floor or escort me to my car after work.

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