Last Thursday, 3/27, Pete Wright, 44, a critical care nurse at Doctors Hospital, Columbus, GA, was shot by a man who claimed Wright was involved in his mother's death--4 years ago. The gunman, Charles Johnston, also killed a unit secretary and a 76-year-old man who was coming to the hospital for a medical appointment. 

The story has outraged the Columbus community, as well as the nursing community.  Some people are calling for metal detectors at the hospital, while others say nothing could prevent this act of violence. 

 Here is the latest from the Ledger-Enquirer newspaper: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/breaking_news/story/283858.html 

How do you think hospitals should handle security, in light of this tragedy? How does a hospital prepare for something like this, or can it even be prepared for?

Above all, let's keep the family of Pete Wright, and the other victims in our thoughts and prayers.  

 

 

 

 

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ADVANCE Staff

As an ED nurse this is my fear every shift I work.  Hospitals don't take security as seriously as they should.  With decreasing insurance/medicare/medicaid reimbursements, it's difficult to adequately staff most hospitals, let alone keep them secure.  I don't know that metal detectors are the complete answer either, though it may be a deterrent.  We as Americans need to take our general security as seriously as we do national security or we run the risk of falling victims to these individuals.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Pete Wright's family and friends as they try to come to terms with this completely heinous act.  May we always be safe as we sisters and brothers in our profession continue on the front line of healthcare today.  No matter what battlefield we may encounter.
 

How do you prepare for the irrational? It is a sorry state of things to come. We (medical providers) do the best we can on a daily basis to give TLC combined with intelligent , prudent, resourceful nursing. Yet daily we must endure , patients and family members that refuse to be accountable for their 1/2 of the life choices that frequently lead them to poor health and crisis. What a world, nobody is accountable!

 

 

 

 

 

As a retired nurse after 40 years in the profession, I found that there is an increase in mental instability and violence in the general population. I  feel our health care facilities should  be more aware of today's issues of mental health.  Yes, I approve of metal detectors at the main entrances to these facilities.  No one who exits another route should be allowed back in the facility until scanned again.