Patient Who Broke Nurse's Leg Charged With Felony Assault

It’s a story that’s becoming all too familiar in the world of nursing. Crystal Thompson, an emergency department nurse at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst North Carolina, is recovering after a brutal attack by a patient on Monday.

According to her GoFundMe account, the patient assaulted Crystal in the ED, placing her in a chokehold, slamming her head against the floor, and breaking her leg. Yep, you read that right—on a shift where she was likely already running on fumes, Crystal endured a nightmare that no nurse should ever face.

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The patient responsible for the attack, 35-year-old Karla Hardy, has been charged with felony assault causing physical injury to emergency personnel and resisting a public officer. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22.

Meanwhile, Crystal faces a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. Her coworkers have rallied behind her, setting up a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. As of now, it’s raised over $20,000—a testament to the strength and solidarity of the nursing community.

For her daughter, Samantha Thompson, watching her mom struggle with the aftermath has been devastating. "Seeing her cry the way she has, it literally kills me," Samantha shared. "It’s heartbreaking to see someone who’s dedicated their life to helping others go through this."

FirstHealth Statement

FirstHealth says they’ve already taken steps to address safety, including hiring police officers for the hospital. But let’s be real—this issue goes deeper than a few extra security guards. It’s a systemic problem that’s been ignored for far too long.

"This incident highlights a growing concern seen across the country," FirstHealth said in a statement. "Violence against healthcare workers is a critical issue, and we prioritize safety and support for our dedicated teams who work tirelessly to care for others."

This attack is another painful reminder of the challenges we face as healthcare workers. Nurses are not just here to save lives—nurses are putting their own safety on the line every single shift. It’s time for real change. Because the bottom line is this: nurses shouldn’t have to fear for their lives while doing their jobs. Period.