Hello acj310910
I say stick with it and let her experience genuine kindness and care even thru the nasties coming back at you. It's possible that in time she'll let you into her space of vulnerability and become a friend. I agree with Denise, There's probably traumatic events in her life that have contributed to her anger. I say find out what mutual interests you two might have to possibly build a connection of empathy. It's certainly worth a try.

My personal experience with a similar situation was when I was working a pediatric unit as a Respiratory Therapist. I was helping out at another hospital. It was common to be given the patients/workload that the others didn't want. I was given an 8 year old that had terminal hepatic cancer. Linda was very angry with a history of childhood trauma. She would have fits of yelling and throwing things at her caregivers. I saw her often over a period of 3 months. I started to notice or it seemed that she looked forward to seeing me. She had all the latest toys and video cassettes. I was working a night shift on Christmas Eve when I noticed she had gotten "ET". It was going to be a slow night shift. I asked her if we could watch ET together. She passively agreed. I finally heard her laugh. A few days later she wanted to show me her artwork. We became friends.

Take a chance. Stick with it a while. You might be surprised. Both of you might experience something special.
Best wishes
Ernie