Blood sugar checks through tray slots?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Specializes in ICU,ER,med-Surg,Geri,Correctional.

Okay: We have just be informed by the jail administrator that when we check the blood sugars we can no longer have the officer bring the inmate to our cart. We now must perform these duties through the food tray slots on the doors. They claim it's a security issue,however at these times 0600 and 1600 the inmates are locked down anyway. Just a few weeks ago I was talking with an inmate and he grabbed my collar pulled me into the door then as I was pulling back let go and I went for a flip. A rookie mistake and I admit I should have been on my guard. But the 1st and most important rule in Correctional care is "Inmates are unpredictable". I feel that this practice of checking Blood sugars and giving insulin is not in the best interest for both the inmate and the nurse.

also when we ,the jail administrator,and crew spoke to several officers about this sitaution. One of the Rookies made a comment that really ticked me off he said "I MAKE the nurse do it my way!. Okay I don't buy that he makes a nurse crap. Told him that we are a team nobody makes a nurse do anything. A lot of blah blah in this posting but just want other Correctional folks opinions and any better ways to do blood sugars.....

We do ours through the door flap too but I had never really thought much of it. If they need insulin coverage we draw up the syringe and had it to them to do themselves. Every so often the inmate will refuse to put the safety lock on the syringe and return it to us but usually after a little discussion they listen.

As for leaning near the flap, I NEVER get near it (stand to the left or right of it and speak through the door). We had a nurse lean into the flap to hear the inmate better and he ejaculated on her. NASTY!!:eek:

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