Violence not part of the job!(mail) (Letter to the editor)

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Date: 01 March 2013

I was assaulted by a patient last year, at a large metropolitan teaching hospital. It happened in the psychiatric unit. A large metal object was thrown at me, hitting me on the head so that I had concussion. I was effectively unable to resume work on account of trauma. I have since found other work. During one of the many meetings that were held to attempt to facilitate my return to work, the Director of Nursing advised me that such assaults are "unfortunately part of the job."

At no time...