Three nursing employees at Atascadero State Hospital were hurt this week in one incident where they were trying to calm a patient, according to a preliminary report by hospital spokesman Craig Dacus.

ASH is one of five state hospitals that treat violent offenders who are mentally ill.

Stabilization incidents are typically prompted after a patient is already exhibiting aggressive behavior, according to the hospital.

The employees, who can be psychiatric technicians or registered nurses, reported receiving minor injuries such as muscle stiffness and joint pain after the incident that occurred 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dacus said.

Staff names are not released, and job titles remain general in the hospital's attack reports to protect the identity of employees.