Disciplinary Action for Invercargill Nurse Following Physical Altercation with Resident

A Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal has censured an Invercargill enrolled nurse who slapped a resident with dementia as an "instant reaction" to being assaulted.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 4:47 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Incident: A "Blank" Reaction to Assault

The tribunal heard that the nurse intervened when the site's cook was being cornered and gripped by a resident. After the nurse attempted to de-escalate the situation by inviting the resident to her room to talk, the resident slapped the nurse across the face with significant force, described by witnesses as making a "real crack."

Seconds later, the nurse reacted by slapping the resident back with comparable force. She immediately left the room to report the incident to her manager. The resident’s aggression continued, eventually requiring intervention from four police officers and three paramedics, two of whom were struck by the resident with a remote control.

Findings and Mitigation

The nurse admitted to the assault the following day, describing it as an "instant reaction" where her "mind went blank." She was subsequently dismissed from her position. During the hearing, the nurse expressed deep regret and took full responsibility, stating, "I just was assaulted and reacted."

Several mitigating factors were presented to the tribunal: