nurse attacked in florida
Florida Nurse Brutally Attacked by Patient, Faces Life-Threatening Injuries
By Sharnellia Bennett-Smith
Loxahatchee, FL – A Florida nurse is fighting for her life after being brutally attacked by a patient at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. The assault, which took place on February 18, 2025, left the victim with devastating injuries, including multiple facial fractures that doctors say may cost her the use of both eyes.
The suspect, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, was admitted under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows for temporary detention of individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Without warning, he allegedly leaped from his hospital bed and launched a violent attack on the nurse, repeatedly striking her in the face. Witnesses reported that as staff intervened, Scantlebury fled the hospital, running through the facility and into nearby traffic before being apprehended by Palm Beach County deputies.
Medical evaluations confirmed the nurse sustained extensive facial fractures, with authorities describing her injuries as "essentially every bone in her face" being broken. She was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center for emergency treatment. Tragically, doctors have confirmed that she will lose both of her eyes due to the severity of her injuries, permanently altering her life.
Scantlebury has since been charged with attempted second-degree murder, with prosecutors adding a hate crime enhancement to the charge, which could result in a harsher sentence if he is convicted. Authorities say he had exhibited erratic and paranoid behavior in the days leading up to the attack, though a clear motive has not been established.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among healthcare professionals who say workplace violence against nurses is an escalating crisis. The Florida Nurses Association has called for urgent reforms to improve safety for hospital staff, urging lawmakers and hospital administrators to take meaningful action.
"The Florida Nurses Association has long been concerned with the safety of nurses," said Willa Fuller, the association's executive director. "There needs to be substantive action by ALL stakeholders to prevent this kind of egregious violence."
As the investigation continues, the medical community and the public are rallying in support of the injured nurse, emphasizing the critical need for stronger protections for healthcare workers. Advocates hope this case will serve as a wake-up call to implement policy changes that ensure medical professionals can perform their jobs without fear of violence.
