Health officials suspend Deland nurse accused of slapping patient

The Florida Department of Health has suspended the nursing license of a woman who was caught hitting a patient.

Officials say 61-year-old Deanna S. Tackett of Deland cursed at and repeatedly slapped a male patient in the chest and face while he was in an intensive care unit at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial Medical Center in April.

Hospital administrators fired Tackett. A camera that monitors the unit captured Tackett pushing down on the 46-year-old patient's head, telling him she'd had it with him. The man was being treated for a bacterial infection.

The Daytona Beach News Journal reports state officials said Tackett "lacks the judgment, patience and compassion necessary to practice nursing."

She pleaded not guilty to a battery charge. It's unclear whether she has a lawyer.