Season 2 • Episode 77

911 Calls From Psych Nurses During Violent Youth Riot Released (With Jana Price)

Feb 17, 2026

33:11

Episode Description

Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been withheld to protect the nurse involved.

In this gripping episode of Nurse Converse, an anonymous psychiatric nurse shares firsthand details from two violent riots inside an Arizona adolescent behavioral health facility. After repeated warnings about unsafe staffing and high acuity went unaddressed, nurses were left managing 26 teens with minimal support. When the situation escalated, 911 was called and police deployed pepper balls on the unit, affecting patients and staff alike.

Our guest joins host Jana Price and describes the chaos, the trauma experienced by vulnerable adolescents, and the moral distress nurses carry long after the shift ends. We also explore regulatory oversight, administrative response, and the very real fear of retaliation that keeps many nurses silent.

This episode is a sobering look at patient safety, staffing, and the courage it takes to speak up.

>>911 Calls From Psych Nurses During Violent Youth Riot Released

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:01:43] Arizona adolescent psych facility riots summary
[00:03:27] Why the nurse ultimately called 911
[00:05:11] Breaking point: staff assaulted during Code Grays
[00:05:57] Unsafe staffing ratios on riot night
[00:07:51] What safe restraint response should look like
[00:09:02] Police arrival and use of pepper balls
[00:10:20] Pepper exposure and chaos on the unit
[00:13:21] Added trauma for already vulnerable adolescents
[00:17:22] Acuity tool changes and hidden staffing data
[00:22:05] State survey findings: major safety deficiencies
[00:24:05] Management direction on riot wording and 911 calls
[00:28:50] Fear of retaliation and need for anonymity

Connect with Jana on LinkedIn and social media:

Instagram: @gentlyusedrn

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