The union representing nurses at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko said a lack of security at the facility contributed to an emergency room physician using a taser on a patient, the Elko Daily Free Press reports.
Service Employees International Union Nevada claims the physician used a taser on an allegedly combative patient transported from Carlin, Nev., over the Fourth of July weekend.
SEIU said the physician was placed on administrative leave and is expected to return to work Wednesday.
"Sources close to the incident say combative patients at NNRH and a lack of trained security have resulted in staff resorting to tasers, pepper gel and fisticuffs to protect themselves, requiring medical professionals to use force against the patients they are treating," the union claimed.
The hospital told the Elko Daily Free Press it has security personnel "24/7" but would not comment on the specifics of the incident.
"This is an internal matter that we are actively investigating, and we cannot comment any further due to confidentiality," NNRH Director of Marketing and Community Relations Bill Applegate told the publication.
The hospital added, "There is no question that the incidence of violence in our communities today is increasing, and hospital emergency rooms are no exception. At NNRH, patient care and safety are our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that every person who enters our facility — staff, physicians, patients and visitors — has the best possible experience, and we continually work to ensure that we have the necessary policies and security measures in place to make this possible. We consider it a privilege to continue our nearly century-long legacy of serving the healthcare needs of Elko and the surrounding region."
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