A patient broke every bone in nurse’s face: When will enough be enough?

By MDLinx staff | Fact-checked by Davi Sherman
Published February 24, 2025

Industry Buzz

  • "If the patient was held in a facility and they were not receiving treatment for mental illness — and the person was paranoid or psychotic and believe that that they were in danger and fighting for their lives as they harm that nurse — shame on us for not providing the care that was needed.” — Dr. Carol Milliken, WPTV

In a distressing incident at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, a nurse was brutally attacked by a patient, resulting in severe facial injuries.[1] This event has ignited a wave of solidarity among healthcare professionals in Palm Beach County, who are now rallying for enhanced workplace safety measures.[2]

Here’s what happened

The assault left the 67-year-old nurse with multiple facial fractures, and there are concerns she may lose her eyesight.

Attorneys representing Stephen Scantlebury, the 33-year-old accused in the attack, assert that their client had been exhibiting "unusual behavior" in the days preceding the incident and sought assistance at the hospital.[1] They describe Scantlebury as a "hardworking, loving husband" affected by mental illness. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has charged him with attempted second-degree murder, with a hate crime enhancement that could lead to harsher penalties if he is convicted. 

In response, hundreds of healthcare workers gathered to support their injured colleague and advocate for stronger protections against workplace violence.[3]

Nurse Bonnet Webb, who attended the rally, emphasized the collective resolve: "We’re here to offer our support so [she] can heal, as well as her family and our nursing community."

Increasing rates of violence

This incident is not isolated. Recent events, such as the tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, PA, in which a gunman took hostages, resulting in multiple injuries, underscore the escalating violence in healthcare settings.[4]

Related: Deadly hospital hostage standoff sparks urgent calls for better healthcare worker protection

Statistics reveal a troubling trend: Healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than individuals in other industries, accounting for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence.[5]

The repercussions of such violence are profound, affecting not only the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals but also patient care quality. The CDC highlights that workplace violence can lead to burnout among staff, ultimately compromising patient safety and satisfaction.[6]

Fixing the problem

In light of these challenges, healthcare workers are advocating for comprehensive measures to ensure their safety. Proposed solutions include implementing workplace violence prevention programs, enhancing security protocols, and fostering a culture that encourages reporting and promptly addressing violent incidents. National Nurses United (NNU) emphasizes the necessity of such programs, noting a surge in workplace violence rates nationally, exacerbated by the healthcare industry's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

As the healthcare community rallies for change, the focus remains on creating a safer environment for both providers and patients. The collective outcry following these incidents serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address workplace violence in healthcare settings, ensuring that those dedicated to healing others are themselves protected and supported.

Our writers and editors prioritize primary sources—including peer-reviewed research and interviews with experts—to inform our articles. Fact-checkers and board-certified physicians also review each piece for accuracy. Learn more about our process and standards.

  1. Sutton S, Ostroff J. Suspect in attack of Palms West Hospital nurse displayed ‘unusual behavior’ days before, lawyers say. WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. February 21, 2025.

  2. Geggis A. Health-care workers rally for protections following attack on nurse. The Palm Beach Post. February 24, 2025.

  3. McCartney J. Violence Escalates against Surgeons and Other Healthcare Workers. American College of Surgeons. October 9, 2024.

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