I am sorry to hear that. Working in any state hospital system is inherently dangerous, but if you throw in a bunch of people who become dangerous when unmedicated, well, that just sounds like a complete cluster. I personally knew a fellow while I was in the hospital with schizophrenia who is a complete gentleman when properly medicated. Harmless. When not medicated properly, he kills people, because he believes everyone is trying to harm him. So, he stays medicated--needless to say. He is doing great.

That's the way it is for some folks.

I was unfortunately in our state hospital for a very long time. Long, sad story. The staff on the maximum security side live in terror. One was killed a few years ago during a takedown. Had a heart attack and died there on the floor in Harbors. So sad. As a result, staff often don't provide very good patient care there now, because their fear rules their actions and creates a huge barrier between them and their patients.

At the end of the day, both staff and patients must be protected. It is the only way those hospitals have a chance to do any good.