Dr. Robert Glatter of Lenox Hill Hospital described a nurse assault storyline in HBO's The Pitt as disturbingly realistic. In season 2, episode 11, a patient attacks young nurse Emma, played by Laëtitia Hollard, before charge nurse Dana, portrayed by Katherine LaNasa, intervenes. Glatter told Men's Health that emergency nurses face high rates of verbal and physical assaults.
The incident unfolds when a patient, in a drunken and drug-induced state from alcohol and cocaine, wakes confused and attacks Emma in a headlock. Staff sedate him, but he offers no apology afterward. Dr. Glatter highlighted this as an accurate depiction of post-intoxication emergence agitation, where patients regain consciousness disoriented and combative after heavy substance use, often failing to recognize their surroundings or caregivers in emergency departments (EDs). He noted to Men's Health that mixing alcohol and cocaine can trigger aggression and paranoia, leading patients to lash out at medical staff trying to help them. One study cited by Glatter reports that 100% of ED nurses experienced verbal assault and 82% physical assault in a single year, with nurses at highest risk. The doctor's response to the show's handling of the aftermath also drew praise, as staff follow proper protocols for aggressive patients. Glatter pointed out the tension captured when charge nurse Dana shows anger and protectiveness, reflecting how ED leaders balance advocating for patients and safeguarding colleagues. Pop culture critic Brandon Kiyoshi, who has a nursing background, added that medical professionals rarely press charges against such assailants. 'Technically, it's looked down upon if we sue or press charges against them for assault,' Kiyoshi said. 'This happens often in the hospital ... Once this happens, they check us out, and then we go back to working the rest of our shifts.'
