Podcast Episode
🎯 "He's Going to Kill Me" — Violence in the ER Is Worse Than You Think

About this episode
This isn't a dramatic TV scene from The Pitt… This is what's happening in real ERs… EVERY SINGLE DAY…
In this compelling interview, Trauma ER nurse Michelle shares her journey through the healthcare system, highlighting systemic issues, the emotional toll of nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her passion for advocacy for healthcare reform. Discover insights into the realities faced by frontline workers and potential pathways for change.
In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle shares her experiences with workplace violence in healthcare, the systemic challenges faced by nurses, and her unwavering dedication to making a difference. Discover insights on mental health, safety protocols, and the importance of community support in the healthcare field.
In this episode, a trauma ER nurse shares what it's actually like to be:
physically assaulted at work
left unprotected by the system
and sent right back into the same environment… the next shift
We talk about:
what workplace violence in healthcare REALLY looks like
why charges often go nowhere… even when it's a federal offense
what happens when your "abuser"… is your job
and the moment she went toe-to-toe with a hospital CEO
Key Topics:Â
Systemic issues in healthcare and hospital management
The emotional and psychological impact of nursing during COVID-19
Advocacy and leadership in healthcare reform Workplace violence in healthcare
Mental health and coping strategies for nurses
Systemic challenges and safety protocols in hospitals
And yet…
In the middle of all of it… she still calls this work an honor…
This is the side of healthcare the public doesn't see.
And once you hear it… you can't un-hear it…
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ER Nurse Michelle
03:56 Michelle's Nursing Journey and Early Experiences
11:04 Navigating Nursing School During COVID-19
15:52 The Emotional Toll of Nursing
19:41 Coping with Death and Patient Loss
24:44 Mental Health Challenges in Healthcare
29:35 Finding Support and Therapy
31:27 The Healthcare System's Flaws
36:38 Ethics vs. Profit in Healthcare
42:35 Advocating for Change in Healthcare
47:58 Confronting Leadership: A Personal Account
01:00:25 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
01:04:49 Building Strong Team Dynamics
01:10:32 Experiences with Workplace Violence
01:16:11 The Impact of Violence on Healthcare Workers
01:22:07 Advocacy and Coping Mechanisms
01:29:09 The Personal Stakes in Healthcare Advocacy
01:31:29 The Importance of Compassionate Care
01:34:50 Reflections on the Nursing Journey
01:36:50 Mandatory Safe Staffing: A Game Changer
01:40:19 Pursuing Higher Education in Nursing
01:41:18 Legacy of Care and Compassion
01:43:52 The Power of Advocacy and Change
01:52:47 OUTRO