Editor’s note: This letter is in response to a guest column by Dr. Klaus Jakelski, “Health-care workers shouldn’t have to learn to duck,” which ran on Sudbury.com on Feb. 10.
Maybe I should let you know that being attacked on shift at HSN has left me with PTSD that I will suffer with for the rest of my life. Punched, bitten, hit.
My superiors and Health Sciences North did not support me even though I was in a room full of my cohorts. Insurance didn't support me. WSIB didn't support me.
I couldn't go back to work, and I found myself detouring to Regent Street so I didn't have to go past the hospital. I couldn't even look at it. I had panic attacks regularly.
She (my attacker) went on TV claiming she “accidentally” broke my nose. My nose was fine. She lied, but I could not retaliate because I would have lost my license. I had to sit there and keep my mouth shut.
I missed almost two years of work. I had no income for eight months. The Ontario Nurses’ Association did support me, thank goodness; I wouldn't have made it through without them.
I finally went back to prove I could still do it. I'm proud of my profession. I'm still suffering from panic attacks. Where is she? Out and about enjoying her life. My life will never be the same.
That wasn't the first time I was attacked. There were many more, both mentally and physically. This one pushed me over the edge.
Please have some patience for our health-care workers. They face difficult challenges every day. I pray for my former coworkers everyday.
And, thank you Dr. Jakelski, for such a well-written, caring article.
Birgit Kuhle
Greater Sudbury