Health officials suspend Deland nurse accused of slapping patient
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DELAND, Fla. (AP) - 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.