Columbus, Ohio — The leading nursing union in Ohio is urging action after a nurse was reportedly strangled by a patient at Ohio State University Hospital.
Rick Lucas, who heads the Ohio State Nursing Association and is a former president of the OSU Nurses Union, sent a letter to the leadership at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center following an incident where a postpartum nurse was injured and allegedly received no assistance from management.
Marty Leach, the chief spokesperson for Wexner Medical Center, acknowledged that there were failures in the post-event notification process and that support services were not provided until the following day.
Lucas recounted that a postpartum nurse intervened during a confrontation involving a female patient and a male family member around 6:50 p.m. on Thursday, November 6. The man was apparently holding an infant, potentially putting the child at risk.
According to Lucas, when the nurse attempted to help, she was choked by the man. Leach mentioned that the nurse was grabbed by her shirt’s collar and pulled into the hallway.
Fortunately, the baby was unharmed, and the man was taken to the emergency room for assessment due to his behavior. Leach noted that both hospital security and Ohio State University police arrived to help de-escalate the situation and ensure the baby’s safety.
Lucas pointed out that OSU police only received the notice after confirming the man’s identity and that they had been informed about him the day before.
Notably, the nurse did not go to the emergency room afterward, and hospital officials did not check on her well-being.
“When she called me, she was crying again, not just because of the attack but because no one asked if she was okay,” Lucas explained. “This reflects a systemic failure of compassion.”
Leach admitted that although support services were delayed, they did reach out to nurses and staff by the following morning. He also mentioned that the hospital is working to modify its processes to prevent future delays.
The nurses’ union is now demanding the hospital maintain and share all relevant camera footage, hold a debriefing with hospital leadership, ensure the man is banned from the hospital unless it’s for medical reasons, and provide nurses with paid leave. Leach stated employees are informed of their right to file charges in such instances.
An OSU police spokesperson confirmed that the man was charged with violating a protective order, unlawful restraint, and assault.
Lucas emphasized that he and the nurses’ union will continue advocating for accountability.
“This incident exemplifies a pervasive national issue. No one should face the threat of harm while at work,” Leach noted. “We are firmly dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for everyone who visits our facilities to work, learn, or receive care.”
