Author - Nurse - Advocate
As an emergency nurse for almost 20 years, Tammy Scott has seen her share of people having their worst days ever. And then she had hers. After being nearly killed in a harrowing attack by a patient, this mother of two sons lost her career, income, and sense of self. Tammy fought her way back to health and experienced secondary trauma while navigating her recovery through the workman's compensation law.
Always an advocate for freedom, Tammy tells her story in her memoir, Frontline Survivor, to inspire others to rise strong from traumatic events rather than to remain a victim of tragedy. In her fight to recover not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually, Tammy learned that what really matters are things that can never can be taken away.
A Midwestern Native, Tammy is the founder of The Nightingale Front - a non-profit foundation created to raise awareness of violence against healthcare professionals, challenge hospitals and lawmakers to be accountable for staff and patient safety, and provide support to nurses and other healthcare professionals who have been victims of violence in their workplace.
Frontline Survivor
At the heart of Frontline Survivor lies a powerful theme of embracing the beauty in imperfection, finding resilience in the face of tragedy, and seeking freedom from the self-imposed cages that trap us in a state of victimhood. My journey serves as a light of hope that when finding yourself thrust into your darkest hour, the moment is ripe to seek the deepest shadow of yourself and use it as your strength. Ultimately, the path to liberation is paved with gratitude and forgiveness, both towards others and perhaps most importantly, for oneself. Amidst the tumult, I found myself not only a victim of my assailant but also of a hospital system that neglected its duty to ensure adequate security. These trials, though harrowing, became pivotal as I found myself digging deep for my inner strength and determination, propelling me toward a journey of healing and advocacy. Adding insult to injury, I felt so much was taken from me in one fateful moment. I lost not only my income and beloved career but also my sense of safety and even my physical appearance, as my facial nerve was severed in my attack, resulting in right facial paralysis. Yet, amidst this cascade of losses, grappling with severe PTSD, I discovered an invaluable treasure trove within myself—my unwavering gratitude, boundless joy, unyielding hope, and enduring resilience. These are the treasures that are my core that forever enrich my life. None of which can be taken away from me. Embedded within my narrative is a compelling call to action, urging the public to acknowledge and address the pervasive issue of violence against healthcare professionals. Throughout my journey, I highlight shocking statistics that reveal the alarming frequency of such incidents. For instance, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a staggering truth: between 2011 and 2018, there were 156 workplace homicides among private healthcare workers, averaging approximately 20 each year. These statistics prompt a crucial question: why is there a lack of awareness among the public and even nurses and other healthcare professionals regarding this grave threat to our safety? The issue runs deeper than mere negligence or oversight; it reflects systemic challenges that demand our attention and advocacy. My story serves as a catalyst for raising awareness, igniting conversations, and spurring action toward ensuring the safety and well-being of all healthcare workers Although it's been more than two years since the incident, my path to healing continues, intertwined with ongoing court cases and further personal growth. As I continue this process, the unfolding chapters of my story remain a mystery, even to myself, such is life. Ultimately, my aspiration is to empower readers, demonstrating that they possess the capacity to conquer their most formidable challenges, just as I did, armed with hope, resilience, and unwavering faith, not only in God or their Higher Power but in themselves. I aim to illustrate how we can delve into the depths of our being and transcend mere survival, discovering profound meaning and purpose in life in the process. In the darkest of nights, I seek to illuminate a path of light and hope, inspiring readers to recognize that even amidst adversity, there exists boundless potential for growth and renewal. For those who dare to seek truth amidst their brokenness, it is in that very vulnerability that they will uncover the essence of their true selves and freedom that is our innate gift. If my story offers you anything, I hope it brings awareness to the pervasive problem of violence against healthcare professionals, and inspires you to courageously explore the depths of your own being to discover, reveal, and restore your authentic self–the essence that God created. Together, on this journey, we can free ourselves from the cages we’ve created for ourselves and live in our illuminated freedom.