But that's exactly what's happening, at least at one prominent hospital in New York City. Resident doctors, nurses and security staff say they're worried about their safety, after a dramatic increase in violent assaults against them by patients.
The numbers are compelling: 14 assaults in 2008; 44 last year. One security officer was punched in the face, another was hit with a chair, a doctor was punched in the eye.
Not exactly healing the sick.
The hospital says the numbers aren't as they appear.
Our investigative reporter Jim Hoffer has been looking into this.
His enlightening and disturbing story airs tonight at 11.
Also at 11, a battle over cuts in education now playing out in New Jersey. High school students, taking matters into their own hands (it's their future, after all), and walking out of classes today - thousands of them. The "absences" are being treated as cutting class by some districts - but not by others - and some of the kids will likely be penalized by the administration.
A spokesman for the Gov. Chris Christie suggests that the students may be pawns in the budget battle between the Governor and the teachers' union, but that seems a bit insulting.
On the other hand, civil disobedience and protesting come with a price, and the people who participate shouldn't get a free pass. In fact, it's part of civil disobedience - to take part in something, knowing full well the penalties.
I have done that - and I paid the price at the time. In fact, looking back, I think I knew there would be a price to pay. But that's why they call it civil DISobedience.
That said, other districts are not planning to dish out punishments.
We'll have the latest at 11.
We're also on Long Island, where there is serious discussion tonight about turning the Nassau Coliseum over to the Shinnecock Indian Nation for an "entertainment destination center and casino."
Oh boy. Hang on to your hats. And what about the Islanders? Will the team finally leave? There's much drama. Lucy Yang has our story tonight at 11.
We'll also have any breaking news of the night, plus Lee Goldberg's AccuWeather forecast, and Scott Clark with the night's sports. I hope you can join Liz Cho and me, tonight at 11.
BILL RITTER
